COURSE CURRICULUM

The Elementary Education program at Avila University requires students to complete a comprehensive liberal arts core alongside specialized education coursework to prepare them for effective teaching in grades 1-6. Core courses include history, literature, natural science, social science, and mathematics, providing students with a broad foundation in critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness. Students may choose from courses such as American Experience I or II, African-American Literature, Global Literature, General Biology, General Psychology, Sociology, and a variety of mathematics options including Applications of College Mathematics, Mathematical Reasoning & Modeling, or College Algebra. In addition, all education students fulfill the six-hour Global Studies or Community Engagement requirement through the ED 495 Final Clinical Experience, which provides practical, field-based learning. The Elementary Education major itself comprises 73 credit hours, including foundational courses in developmental and educational psychology, children’s literature, and the psychology of exceptional children, as well as pedagogical methods in mathematics, science, social studies, literacy, and language arts. Students gain hands-on experience through practicums, advanced field placements, and a final clinical experience, while courses such as Managing the Learning Environment, Health & Safety, and Assessment & Remediation of Reading Problems equip them to support diverse learners effectively. The program also emphasizes technology competency through ED 320 and requires a minimum of nine elective credit hours to complete the 120-credit hour degree, ensuring well-rounded, classroom-ready graduates.