Education, BS: Elementary and Middle Education
The Elementary and Middle Education (K-9) Program prepares individuals to meet the needs of diverse populations in a regular education setting from kindergarten through ninth grade. Clinical and student teaching experiences occur mainly in urban settings and take place in close partnership with local school districts.
Candidates successfully completing the Elementary and Middle Education (K-9), program will receive a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Education and endorsement to be licensed to teach in the State of Wisconsin from four-year-kindergarten through ninth grade. Individuals are licensed to teach any subject, except world language, in a self-contained classroom, and may teach language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies in a departmentalized setting.
Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | 30 | |
| Program Requirements * | 94 | |
| Total Credits | 124 | |
- *
Some program-required courses are approved as GER
Preparatory Coursework
Based on individual placement results, some students may be required to complete preparatory coursework before enrolling in the courses listed here. This may include English language or composition preparation, developmental math, introductory chemistry, and/or student support courses for students participating in the First Year Bridge program.
General Education Requirements (GER)
UW-Milwaukee has General Education Requirements that must be met in order to earn a bachelor’s or associate degree. They include at minimum 30 credits (10 courses) in six categories that are designed to assure basic student competencies and provide a broad body of knowledge as a context for specialization.
Some degree requirements may fulfill GERs. Please review the requirements and consult with your academic advisor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Categories and Credits | ||
| Civics and Perspectives (CP) | 6 | |
| Communication and Literacy (CL) | 6 | |
| Humanities and Arts (HA) | 6 | |
| Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning (MQR) | 3 | |
| Natural Science and Wellness (NSW/NSWL) | 6 | |
| Social and Behavioral Science (SBS) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Below is a list of GER courses that are highly recommended for students interested in the Elementary and Middle Education program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART ED 130 | Multicultural Art and Visual Learning in Elementary Education (GER-CP) | 3 |
| THEATRE 260 | Storytelling: (GER-HA) | 3 |
| CURRINS 233 | Introduction to Children's and Young Adult Literature (GER-HA) | 3 |
| CURRINS 234 | Teachers as Writers (GER-CL) | 3 |
| CHEM 185 | Chemistry for Teachers (GER-NSW+) | 3 |
| ASTRON 185 | Astronomy for Pre-Education Majors (GER-NSW+) | 3 |
| Any of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to American Indian Literature: (GER-CP, topic: History, Literature & Sovereignty of Wisconsin Tribes) SR-3(a) | ||
| American Indian Peoples of Wisconsin (GER-CP) SR-3(a) | ||
| Introduction to American Indian Literature: (CER-CP, topic: History, Literature & Sovereignty of Wisconsin Tribes) SR-3(a) | ||
| North American Indian History Since 1887 (GER-CP) SR-3(a) | ||
- SR-3(a)
Statutory Requirements-Equity (a)
Advance to Professional Sequence
Students must meet certain criteria and apply to their specific licensure program in addition to admission to UWM. Please see information about minimum credits, GPA, and other requirements at Advance to Professional Sequence.
Program Core
Program core is comprised of foundational courses and should be completed prior to beginning the professional education semesters.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CURRINS 300 | Introduction to Teaching: Colloquium and Fieldwork | 3 |
| ED PSY 330 | Introduction to Learning and Development | 3 |
| ED POL 375 | Cultural Foundations of Education | 3 |
| MATH 175 | Mathematical Explorations for Elementary Teachers I | 3 |
| MATH 176 | Mathematical Explorations for Elementary Teachers II (GER-MQR) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Concentration Area Requirements
First-degree students must choose a concentration area from the list (Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Approved Content Area Coursework | 15 | |
| Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 15 credits of approved coursework described under one of the concentration areas below (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, or Social Studies). Some requirements may be fulfilled by GERs. Consult with your academic advisor to select appropriate coursework. | ||
| English Language Arts | ||
| Composition | 6 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Mathematics | ||
| MATH 175 | Mathematical Explorations for Elementary Teachers I | 3 |
| MATH 176 | Mathematical Explorations for Elementary Teachers II (GER-MQR) | 3 |
| MATH 275 | Problem Solving/Critical Thinking for Elementary Education Majors | 3 |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| Earth Science | 3 | |
| Biological Science | 3 | |
| Physical Science | 3 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Social Studies | ||
| History | 3 | |
| Political Science | 3 | |
| Geography | 3 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
Professional Sequence
A grade of C or better is required in professional sequence coursework to advance in the program. No courses may be taken for credit/no credit.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| CURRINS 306 | Initial Clinical Experience in Elementary and Middle Education SR-8 | 2 |
| CURRINS 330 | Teaching of Mathematics 1 | 3 |
| CURRINS 536 | Literacy 1: Assessing and Teaching Early Literacy SR-6 | 3 |
| CURRINS 541 | Principles and Methods of Teaching ESL | 3 |
| CURRINS 556 | Professional Linking Seminar 1 | 3 |
| EXCEDUC 605 | Child, Learner, Disabilities SR-7 | 3 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| CURRINS 321 | Introduction to the Teaching of Social Studies SR-3(b-f) | 2 |
| CURRINS 307 | Clinical Experience in Elementary and Middle Education | 3 |
| CURRINS 327 | Teaching of Science in the Elementary School SR-2 | 3 |
| CURRINS 331 | Teaching of Mathematics 2 | 3 |
| CURRINS 537 | Literacy 2: Assessing and Teaching Literacy through Early Adolescence | 3 |
| CURRINS 557 | Professional Linking Seminar 2 SR-3(b-f), SR-4 | 3 |
| Wisconsin Foundations of Reading (Course is not required, but highly recommended.) | ||
| Semester 3 | ||
| CURRINS 323 | Teaching of Social Studies: SR-3(b-f) | 2 |
| CURRINS 332 | Teaching of Mathematics 3 | 3 |
| CURRINS 406 | Advanced Clinical Experience in Elementary and Middle Education SR-8 | 4 |
| CURRINS 527 | Science in the Elementary School SR-2 | 3 |
| CURRINS 538 | Literacy 3: Introduction to New Literacies | 3 |
| CURRINS 558 | Professional Linking Seminar 3 SR-3(b-f) | 3 |
| Semester 4 * | ||
| CURRINS 407 | Student Teaching in Elementary and Middle Education SR-5 | 9 |
| CURRINS 471 | Student Teaching Seminar: The Effective Urban Educator | 3 |
| Total Credits | 64 | |
- *
Students must complete an application in order to be assigned a student teaching placement. To be approved for placement, additional criteria must be met. See Benchmarks for details.
- SR-8
Statutory Requirements-Professional Responsibilities
- SR-6
Statutory Requirements-Reading and Language Arts
- SR-7
Statutory Requirements-Children with Disabilities
- SR-3(b-f)
Statutory Requirements-Equity (b-f)
- SR-2
Statutory Requirements-Environment (CURRINS 327 and CURRINS 527 both required)
- SR-4
Statutory Requirements-Conflict Resolution
- SR-5
Statutory Requirements-Teacher Responsibilities
Requirements for Graduation
For information on credit, GPA, and other requirements for graduation, see UWM Degree Requirements.
Second Degree Pathway
Second degree candidates begin the program with the Professional Sequence, and a content area concentration is not required.
Post-Baccalaureate Pathway
Post-baccalaureate candidates begin the program with the Professional Sequence, and a content area concentration is not required.
Additional Requirements for Certification
- Passing score on the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test (WIFoRT) is also required for endorsement to be licensed to teach in the State of Wisconsin. Students who currently hold a Wisconsin Tier II or higher teaching license in any subject do not complete this requirement.
- Successfully complete the content knowledge requirement for your program through one of the following:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in content coursework.
- Passing score on the Praxis Subject Assessment Exam: Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science).
- Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 in all UWM and transfer courses.
- Demonstrate successful completion of the Pedagogical Knowledge Assessment (PKA).
- Meet all applicable Wisconsin statutory and testing requirements.
- Complete approved coursework in the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of American Indian tribes and bands located in Wisconsin, met through one of the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AIS 276 | Introduction to American Indian Literature: (topic: History, Literature & Sovereignty of Wisconsin Tribes (GER-CP) SR-3(a) | 3 |
| ANTHRO 213 | American Indian Peoples of Wisconsin (GER-CP) SR-3(a) | 3 |
| ENGLISH 276 | Introduction to American Indian Literature: (topic: History, Literature & Sovereignty of Wisconsin Tribes (GER-CP) SR-3(a) | 3 |
| HIST 263 | North American Indian History Since 1887 (GER-CP) SR-3(a) | 3 |
| ACT 31: History, Culture and Sovereignty Rights of Wisconsin Indians Workshop SR-3(a) | ||
| Or an approved equivalent | ||
- SR-3(a)
Statutory Requirements-Equity (a)
Advance to Major
Advance to Professional Sequence
- Mandatory meeting with advisor in the semester prior to applying to the program.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all UWM and transfer courses.
- Completion of CURRINS 300 with a grade of B or better.
- Completion of MATH 175 with a C or better.
- Earning a passing grade in ENGLISH 102 (or equivalent); or placing out of taking ENGLISH 102 by earning a suitable score on a test as determined by the English Department.
- Successful application.
- Final candidate selection completed by program committee, and is contingent upon available space in the program.
- Advisor approval to proceed into the professional education semesters.
Advance to Professional Sequence-Second Degree and Post-Baccalaureate
For individuals with a bachelor's degree.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Mandatory meeting with advisor prior to applying to the program.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all UWM and transfer courses.
- Successful application.
- Final candidate selection completed by program committee, and is contingent upon available space in the program.
Criminal Background Check
Criminal Background Check (CBC). For all students, a background check shall be completed no more than 6 months prior to the date of admission (advance to professional sequence) into the educator preparation program. The background check shall include a review of criminal conduct at the state and federal levels.
Benchmarks
Student Teaching
Students must complete an application to request/be assigned a student teaching placement. Deadlines for submission are posted by the Office of Clinical Experiences.
To be approved, students must ALSO meet the following criteria:
- Be advanced to the professional sequence.
- Satisfactory completion of field evaluation in CURRINS 406.
- A grade of C or better in required professional semesters 1, 2, and 3 coursework.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 in all UWM and transfer courses.
- Removal of all F or I (incomplete) grades in required program courses.
- Passing score or evidence of attempt on the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test.
- Demonstration of content knowledge proficiency with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in required coursework OR Passing score on the Praxis Subject Assessment exam: Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science).
- Updated TB test results submitted to the Office of Clinical Experiences (may take up to 6 weeks).
- Updated Criminal Background Check submitted to the Office of Clinical Experiences (due at least one month prior to the start of student teaching).
Content Knowledge for Subject Area
Students must earn a cumulative GPA of not less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in two courses each conveying mathematics, English, natural sciences, and social sciences content or earn a passing score on the standardized test approved by the state superintendent.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended UWM courses: | ||
| Mathematics | ||
| MATH 175 | Mathematical Explorations for Elementary Teachers I | 3 |
| MATH 176 | Mathematical Explorations for Elementary Teachers II (GER-MQR) | 3 |
| Or equivalent of these courses | ||
| English | ||
| CURRINS 234 | Teachers as Writers (GER-CL) | 3 |
| CURRINS 536 | Literacy 1: Assessing and Teaching Early Literacy SR-6 | 3 |
| Or equivalent of these courses | ||
| Science | ||
| ASTRON 185 | Astronomy for Pre-Education Majors (GER-NSW+) | 3 |
| CHEM 185 | Chemistry for Teachers (GER-NSW+) | 3 |
| Or equivalent of these courses | ||
| Social Studies | ||
| Course on the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of American Indian tribes and bands located in Wisconsin, or other Social Studies elective course, such as: | 3 | |
| American Indian Peoples of Wisconsin | ||
| North American Indian History Since 1887 | ||
| Other Social Science course | ||
| Or equivalent of these courses | ||
- SR-6
Statutory Requirements-Reading and Language Arts
Student Advising and Support Services
At the College of Community Engagement and Professions (CCEP), your success is our priority. Our dedicated student advising and support services team is here to help you navigate your academic journey, from your first semester through graduation.
Whether you’re exploring majors, planning your course schedule, or preparing for your career, our advisors offer personalized guidance tailored to your goals. You’ll also find a range of support services designed to help you thrive—academically, personally, and professionally. We’re committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
For more information, visit the CCEP Student Advising & Support Services website.
Email: ccep-advising@uwm.edu | Phone: 414-229-4707
Graduate Advising
If you are a School of Education graduate student, you may schedule an appointment with your faculty advisor by contacting your faculty advisor directly. Faculty contact information can be found in the Directory. Your faculty advisor will be listed in your PAWS account.
Honors in the Department of Teaching and Learning
Departmental Honors are granted to students who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester.
College of Community Engagement and Professions Dean's Honor List
GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.
Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction
Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.
Commencement Honors
Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).
Final Honors
Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.