Bachelor’s in Elementary Education: Christian Education Emphasis

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Christian EducationInitial Program – Leads to Initial Teacher Licensure

Offered By: College of Education

Pursue Your Passion for Teaching Jobs in Christian Classrooms with Christian Elementary Education

This BS in elementary education: Christian education emphasis degree at Grand Canyon University (GCU) will teach you not only how to be an elementary teacher, but how to do it from a faith-based perspective. You will be taught the skills needed to guide children through an academic journey infused with a biblical perspective. In addition, you will study child and adolescent development in both theory and practice through class and field learning experiences.

Teaching jobs in kindergarten and elementary schools, including Christian education institutions, are on the rise.1 Many Christian schools are looking for people with Christian elementary education experience to meet those growing needs.2

I’m so passionate about our mission to support, connect and protect Christian educators so that they can serve as thriving ambassadors for Christ in our schools.

Michelle Keso Associate Adjunct Professor, College of Education

By offering a comprehensive curriculum that combines educational principles with Christian values, this program focuses on teaching you to build a solid foundation that can prepare you to pursue meaningful work in the field of elementary education. It can prepare you with the necessary knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in the lives of students. If creating an environment that fosters academic growth and spiritual development interests you, this degree program may be a good fit for you.

Focus Your Bachelor’s in Elementary Education on Christian Education at GCU

The bachelor’s in elementary education degree with a Christian education emphasis at GCU will teach you how to deliver Christ-centered educational experiences for students in K-8 classrooms. For this on-campus and online degree, the college uses a Christian worldview to ensure the integrity of its overall programming. The BS in Christian elementary education combines the educational history of the college with our faith-based approach to teach you to step into your own classroom with faith and integrity.

To pursue Christian teaching jobs at the elementary level, you will be required to compete 120 hours of observational and practice-based experiences in addition to your coursework. As a part of those 120 hours of experiential learning, you are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours in an ACSI or CCSC-approved Christian school. You will also serve as a student-teacher in 15-week programs, preferably conducted at a Christian education school.

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This program offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of educational principles while integrating Christian values into your teaching practice. Through GCU’s flexible online format, you can conveniently pursue your degree and study the knowledge and skills taught to make a difference in the lives of young learners.

Learn Christian Teaching Concepts

You will be taught foundational competencies in pedagogy, from learning assessments to lesson development to classroom management. Instructional strategies, teaching methodologies, assessment techniques and Christian values and ethics are at the core of the degree. Courses are led by knowledgeable faculty in areas such as elementary education, Christian studies and faith-based instructional practices. To help future teachers fulfill their dreams, this program may lead to initial licensure in the field of elementary education.

Prepare for Licensure by Earning Your Christian Education Emphasis

Future teachers may be able to seek initial licensure for elementary and middle school roles, as well as train in the disciplines of Christian formation. In addition to the general elementary education programming, GCU students will take specialized courses in the biblical, philosophical and spiritual foundations of Christian development. The additional training meets the requirements of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). 

Your journey in this education degree with a Christian education emphasis may teach the following: 

  • Lesson development to engage diverse learners
  • Assessment practices to support student achievement
  • Classroom management techniques
  • Special education laws and practices
  • Christian ethics as related to educational issues and current events
  • Biblical-based character development
  • Christian worldview as a basis for educational practice and philosophy

This degree program, like others from the College of Education leading to teacher certification, may require practicum hours, state examinations, student teaching and institutional recommendations from GCU.  

Career Paths After Graduating With a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education: Christian Education Emphasis

After graduating with a BS in elementary education: Christian education emphasis, you have the option to position yourself to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher that can align with your passion for teaching and your Christian faith. 

Christian educators can work in a variety of environments. These might include school settings as well as locations hosting private educational programs. Some of these environments may require affiliation with specific Christian denominations or beliefs in specific biblical teachings. After graduating, you can position yourself to find work in the following industries:

  • Public elementary and middle schools
  • Private, Christian elementary and middle schools
  • Churches
  • Faith-based education centers
  • Social service agencies
  • Christian nonprofit agencies

Combine your dream of teaching with your strong faith to work toward becoming a teacher. Your own Christian beliefs can help you to connect with your future students. 

GCU Offers Accredited Education Programs

This program has received full accreditation from Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), acknowledging its commitment to preparing you to become an effective educator who continuously develops professionally. This accreditation confirms its dedication and capability to uphold high-quality standards.

Bachelor’s in Elementary Education: Christian Education Emphasis FAQs

Deciding upon a career path and a relevant degree program is a significant undertaking. Take the time to research your options thoroughly. You may find the following frequently asked questions and answers helpful as you make your decision. 

While the Bible does not provide explicit guidance on formal education systems or curriculum, it emphasizes the value of passing on knowledge, wisdom and guidance to future generations. For example, Proverbs 16:16 instructs us that wisdom and understanding are more important than material possessions. Similarly, John 8:32 states, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

This emphasis can have many benefits, such as fostering an environment that can encourage character development, ethical decision-making and a strong sense of community. Additionally, students in this program may have opportunities to explore faith-based teaching methods and incorporate biblical principles into their instructional practices. With a bachelor’s in elementary education with a Christian education emphasis, you will be taught the skills and tools necessary that can help prepare you to pursue Christian teaching jobs at private schools that value God’s Word. This opportunity can provide you with the potential to help guide children in learning not only key academic topics such as math and English, but also scriptural topics.

The Christian education degree program strives to teach you how to apply evidence-based practices in the classroom, such as learning assessments and lesson development for diverse learners. It also teaches you about crucial topics such as special education laws and practices. Throughout all that, you will be taught biblical principles and the Christian worldview will remain top of mind.

The bachelor’s in Christian education course of study requires a total of 120 credits for completion. Most of the classes are 15 weeks in length. If you are participating in the online Christian elementary education track, the courses are generally seven weeks long. Bachelor’s degree programs, including education degrees, are designed to be four-year degrees. Some students may require more or less time to graduate, depending on individual factors. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor to better understand how long it takes to earn your degree.

The bachelor’s in elementary education with a Christian education emphasis strives to deliver a comprehensive education that teaches you to develop core competencies in the subject area. It’s difficult to characterize any given degree program as “hard” or “easy” because every student may have a unique experience with it. While the program may present challenges and rigorous coursework, it also offers valuable learning experiences and opportunities for personal an professional growth.

Work toward your dream of becoming a teacher informed by biblical principles and a Christian worldview. Apply today for enrollment in GCU’s College of Education for the Christian elementary education pathway.

If seeking licensure or certification, applicants to the program are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. In addition, fingerprint and background clearance is required.

1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well.  Accordingly, data shown is based on September 2021, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, retrieved on June 27, 2023.

2 Best Accredited Colleges (2022, April 4). Christian Education: Jobs & Salary. Retrieved on July 5, 2023. 

TOTAL CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 120
Campus: 15 weeks
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Online: 7 weeks
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TRANSFER CREDITS:
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
TUITION RATE:
Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]
Online: $455 per credit [More Info]

Course List

General Education Requirements:
34-40 credits
Major:
80 credits
Open Elective Credits:
0-6 credits
Degree Requirements:
120 credits

General Education Requirements

General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.

Requirements

Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.

Course Options

  • UNV-103, University Success: 4
  • UNV-303, University Success: 4
  • UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4

Requirements

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.

Course Options

  • UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
  • ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
  • ENG-106, English Composition II: 4

Requirements

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.

Course Options

  • CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
  • CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4

Requirements

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.

Course Options

  • MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
  • MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
  • PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
  • BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4

Requirements

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.

Course Options

  • HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
  • PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
  • SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4

Required General Education Courses

Course Description

This course provides an overview of the principal political, economic, and cultural themes and constitutional developments that shaped the United States from the Colonial period into the 20th Century.

Course Description

This is the first in a two-course sequence designed for prospective elementary school teachers. Concepts include set theory, functions, numeration systems, number theory and properties of the natural numbers, integers, rational numbers, ratios, proportions, decimals, and percents, with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking.

Core Courses

Course Description

Teacher candidates survey how children and early adolescents grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas while understanding the implications for designing and implementing developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences. This survey of the seminal concepts, principles, theories, and research related to development of children and young adolescents allows teacher candidates to build foundational knowledge for constructing learning opportunities that support individual student's development, acquisition of knowledge, and motivation. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

Course Description

Teacher candidates build foundational knowledge on planning instruction and formal and informal assessment strategies. Teacher candidates will examine instructional planning based on knowledge of students, learning theory, connection across the curriculum, curricular goals, and community. Formal and informal assessment strategies for planning, evaluating, and strengthening instruction for elementary students are also examined. Practicum/field experience hours: 5. Fingerprint clearance required.

Course Description

This is the second in a two-course sequence designed for prospective elementary school teachers. Concepts include elementary probability, data analysis, descriptive statistics, geometry of shapes in two and three dimensions, congruence and similarity, measurement, and geometric transformations, with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking. Prerequisite: MAT-150.

Course Description

Teacher candidates are introduced to the educational needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities and their families, including the definitions, characteristics, prevalence, causes and educational approaches to these disabilities and disorders. Teacher candidates will identify cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional patterns of learning and development for students with mild to moderate disabilities. Teacher candidates also survey the special education process involving the application of various laws and regulations. Practicum/field experience hours: 5. Fingerprint clearance not required.

Course Description

This course introduces the text of the Old Testament with emphasis on the biblical narrative, genres, major historical periods, and theological themes.

Course Description

In this writing intensive course, teacher candidates examine how to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and encourage students' positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation. Teacher candidates build foundational knowledge regarding the importance of establishing and maintaining positive collaborative relationships with families, school colleagues, and agencies in the larger community to promote the intellectual, social, emotional, physical growth, and well-being of children. Practicum/field experience hours: 5. Fingerprint clearance required.

Course Description

Teacher candidates examine how to teach foundational skills to develop proficient readers with the capacity to comprehend texts across a range of texts and disciplines. Teacher candidates build additional knowledge regarding print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, and fluency to promote early literacy and independent readers. The science surrounding reading instruction is explored and put into practice with this foundational knowledge. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-210 or ECS-125.

Course Description

Teacher candidates examine a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students to develop a deep understanding of the major concepts and procedures that define number and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement and data, and probability. From this foundational knowledge, candidates select, adapt and use research-based methods, instructional strategies, and interventions to advance the mathematical abilities of students and have them apply their knowledge and abilities in meaningful ways. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-210.

Course Description

Teacher candidates develop strategies for literacy intervention and remediation to foster and support student autonomy in the classroom. Teacher candidates build knowledge and skills to plan literacy supports in all content areas, promote self-directed learning, and empower students to take control and set goals for their own learning outcomes. Language and literacy development is examined to inform intervention and remediation strategies and practices to support readers of varying ages and ability levels, including students with dyslexia and other reading disabilities. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-315.

Course Description

In this writing intensive course, teacher candidates study how to teach a diverse population of students by examining the foundations and dimensions of social justice in education, social constructs, privilege, prejudice, and oppression with the goal of becoming culturally competent educators.

Course Description

This course is a survey of the Arizona constitution and government. It meets the teacher certification requirement for Arizona government.

Course Description

In this course, teacher candidates examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion (SEI) and other instructional programs for English language learners. Theoretical principles of language acquisition and the role of culture in learning are examined. Methods of assessment are identified and analyzed. Teacher candidates identify strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement. Through Universal Design for Learning they plan, deliver, and evaluate standards-based instruction for English language learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.

Course Description

Teacher candidates will examine fundamental concepts of physical, life, earth and space sciences, and health education. Teacher candidates will build foundational knowledge on a variety of age-appropriate inquiry-based instructional strategies to teach science, to build student understanding of personal and social applications, to convey the nature of science, and student development for the practice of skills that contribute to good health. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-210.

Course Description

This course introduces the text of the New Testament with emphasis on the biblical narrative, genres, major historical periods, and theological themes.

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the philosophy, theory, and practice of teaching in Christian schools. A basic analysis of educational philosophies within the framework of a Christian worldview is central to the course. Candidates construct a personal and guiding philosophy of Christian education incorporating biblical principles, and develop lesson plans using biblical integration and perspectives. Candidates may also have an opportunity to participate in observing and delivering instruction in an ACSI or CCSC approved K-12 education setting. This course provides required components as a part of the ACSI certification application process. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.

Course Description

This writing-intensive course systematically studies the biblical, theological, and philosophical foundations of Christian ethics as compared with other ethical systems that shape public discourse on ethical issues. Emphasis is placed on personal morality and an exploration of contemporary issues relevant to the church's public witness.

Course Description

This course examines the biblical truths, spiritual disciplines, virtues, and habits that contribute to the process of discipleship, form Christian character, and result in Christ-likeness. Special attention is given to the doctrine of sanctification and teaching related to ministerial ethics and the cultivation of Christ-like character. Prerequisites: BIB-106 and BIB-107 or BIB-100.

Course Description

Teacher candidates will examine a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students to develop deep understanding of the major concepts and modes of inquiry from the integrated study of social studies and other related areas. Teacher candidates will build foundational knowledge on promoting elementary students' abilities to make informed decisions as citizens of a culturally diverse democratic society and interdependent world. Teacher candidates will integrate the content, functions and achievements of the performing and visual arts as primary media for communication, inquiry and engagement among elementary students. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-210.

Course Description

Teacher candidates will build foundational knowledge on how to use concepts from reading, language, and child development to teach reading, writing, speaking, viewing, listening, and thinking skills. Teacher candidates select, adapt and use research-based methods, instructional strategies, and interventions to individualize meaningful and challenging learning for students, with an emphasis on literacy. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: ELM-210 and (ELM-305 or ELM-315).

Course Description

Teacher candidates are engaged in the student teaching experience that includes practical classroom experiences, research, analysis, and teaching to support the creation of a Student Teaching Performance of Evaluation (STEP). Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all courses in POS and content area; a 2.8 GPA; successful completion of NES or your state’s mandated content area exams; and approval and placement by the College of Education Office of Clinical Practice. All paperwork for student teaching must be submitted by the due date the semester prior to student teaching.

Locations

GCU Campus Student


Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.

GCU Online Student


Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.

* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.

* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.

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