ELEMED:BS - Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

Academic Progression Requirements 

Students admitted to the university are admitted directly to their chosen major. Students are expected to make satisfactory progress based on critical indicators, such as GPA in specific courses or credits earned. In cases where students are not making satisfactory progress, a change of major may be required. Advisors work to redirect students to more appropriate majors when critical indicators are not met.

BS in Elementary Education (major: Grades K-6 with ESOL and Reading Endorsements)

Early Clinical Experiences (Field Hours)

Many courses offered by the Department of Teaching and Learning require completion of specified number of early clinical experiences (field hours) in approved K-12 settings. Course descriptions identify those courses that include in-school classroom experiences. These experiences offer guided observation and participation under the supervision of a classroom teacher and a faculty member from the School of Education and Human Development.

Fingerprint Requirements

In accordance with the Jessica Lunsford Act, all students completing field and clinical experiences in Florida must undergo fingerprinting and a background check at students’ own expense. Placement requests in approved schools require the district’s clearance verification. Students will not be allowed to enter a school campus without the necessary clearance. 

School Placements  

All early clinical (field) experiences and the Student Teaching internship must be completed at schools with which Florida International University has established affiliation agreements, including but not limited to Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Broward County Public Schools. All placements are coordinated through the FIU Office of Clinical Experiences. Students may not arrange placements independently. 

Student Teaching 

Student Teaching is the full-time, culminating clinical experience for candidates in Initial Teacher Preparation Programs. This internship allows candidates to apply and demonstrate the professional knowledge and skills acquired throughout their degree program. Under the guidance of a Cooperating Teacher or Mentor Teacher and a University Supervisor, candidates engage in sustained practical teaching over a full academic semester. 

Permission to student teach is contingent upon successful completion of all required coursework and Florida Teacher Certification Examinations, as specified in the program of study. Placements are available during the fall and spring semesters of the student’s senior year, but not in the summer.

Students in Initial Teacher Preparation Programs must demonstrate mastery of General Knowledge by passing all four sections of the FTCE General Knowledge Test or by achieving qualifying scores, as established by the State of Florida, on approved alternative assessments (SAT, ACT, GRE, or CLT). Students should contact their academic advisor to inquire about eligibility for a General Knowledge (GK) waiver.

Additional information about clinical experiences (field hours) and the Student Teaching application process, including the online application, is available on the FIU Office of Clinical Experiences website. Students are responsible for completing and submitting the online application by the specified semester deadline.

For questions, contact the FIU Office of Clinical Experiences at 305-348-2082, email ClinicalExperiences@fiu.edu, or visit the Ziff Education Building (ZEB), Room 130.

BS in Elementary Education (major: Career Development)

The Elementary Education: Career Development major prepares students for employment in professions that depend on an education background but that do not require teacher certification. Students aspiring to work with adults, government agencies and policy making, business, private school settings, or with nonprofit organizations may consider this major for their professional preparation. The new major offers several courses with teacher preparation elements, including field school placements with the purpose of including a broad elementary education professional development. The current Teacher Certification Major (program) progresses much deeper and extensive in Teacher Education, including more advanced field school internship and practicum experiences.

Clinical Experiences

Early Clinical Experiences (Field Hours)

Many courses offered by the Department of Teaching and Learning require completion of a specified number of early clinical experiences (field hours) in approved K–12 school settings. Course descriptions identify those courses that include in-school classroom experiences. These experiences offer guided observation and participation under the supervision of a classroom teacher and a faculty member from the School of Education and Human Development.

Fingerprinting Requirements

In accordance with the Jessica Lunsford Act, all students completing field and clinical experiences in Florida must undergo fingerprinting and a background check at students’ own expense. Placement requests in approved schools require the district’s clearance verification. Students will not be allowed to enter a school campus without the necessary clearance.

School Placements

All early clinical experiences (field hours) and the Student Teaching internship must be completed at schools with which Florida International University has established affiliation agreements, including but not limited to Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Broward County Public Schools. All placements are coordinated through the FIU Office of Clinical Experiences. Students may not arrange placements independently.

For questions, contact the FIU Office of Clinical Experiences at 305-348-2082, email ClinicalExperiences@fiu.edu, or visit the Ziff Education Building (ZEB), Room 130.

Admissions Requirements for the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education (major: Grades K-6 with ESOL and Reading Endorsements)

(1) A minimum lower-division GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale

(2) Either 60 credit hours of lower division coursework or an AA degree from an accredited institution

All stated admission requirements are to be considered minimum. A student who meets these minimum requirements is not automatically assured admission. Program admission requirements are subject to change. It is the responsibility of the student to assure that he/she has met the requirements.

Admissions Requirements for the BS in Elementary Education (major: Career Development)

To be admitted into the Elementary Education: Career Development Major students must meet elementary education lower division program course prerequisites, have 60 semester hours or an A.A. degree from a FL public institution, and meet the general requirements of Florida International University.

There are no tracks, specializations, concentrations, areas of emphasis, or other curricular offerings associated with this program.