The Elementary Education major will prepare students for careers working with children and their families in public, general education, elementary schools. Candidates for the Elementary Education major will complete the state-approved Elementary Subject Matter Program, which will satisfy the subject-matter competency requirement from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). As a state-approved teacher preparation program, the requirements for the Elementary Subject Matter (ESM) Program are subject to revision at any time by state or federal law. Elementary Education majors will be eligible to obtain a California teaching credential, by completing the professional methods courses with fieldwork and student teaching.

Students choosing the Elementary Education major must additionally be admitted into the Credential program for Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential. Students who do not meet the credential requirements may not be able to complete the major due to accreditation requirements.

Candidates must complete all credential and state requirements to be eligible for a credential. Credential requirements can be obtained from the School of Education credential program advisors.