Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

Earning an online bachelor's degree in elementary education will help you serve the education needs of your community and allow you to make a positive impact on generations of learners right where you live.

From planning to implementing learning strategies, an effective teacher meets the diverse needs of a wide range of students. In our program, you'll practice applying the skills of a reflective teacher while you learn classroom, behavioral, and instructional strategies and ways to engage with families and community agencies.

Take the First Step

Get in touch with any questions or submit the simple application for admission. We will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance so you can enroll and begin your classes!

At a Glance

$60,940
median annual wage for elementary school teachers

Program Length

As few as 2.6 years, depending on transferred credits

Format

  • Online

Tuition per Credit

$495

A Generous Scholarship

The University of Mary offers a generous scholarship for students in our online elementary education program. Contact us for details and more information.

Next Start Date: 1/6/2025

Apply

Is This the Degree For Me?

Who It’s For

  • Para-professionals looking to support their district in a new role
  • Those looking to start their careers in teaching who have the support of an administrator
  • Anyone who wants to remain in their community and support learning locally

Career Paths

  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Middle School Teacher

What You’ll Learn

Through our Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education online program, you'll be eligible for the North Dakota Professional License to teach in grades 1-8, meeting a variety of needs of districts with elementary and middle schools. As a graduate, you'll be able to

  • Plan and implement strategies for instruction, assessment, and management to facilitate positive learning environments for students with a variety of needs
  • Engage in responsible, professional behaviors that facilitate student learning
  • Collaborate with career teachers, families, and community agencies for professional growth and promote the needs of your students

Looking for Scholarship Opportunities?

The Paraprofessional-to-Teacher Pathway program through the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is offering scholarships to help paraprofessional educators get their North Dakota Teaching license. To qualify for the scholarship, you need to be working at least 50% of the school day as a paraprofessional in a North Dakota school. If you are interested in applying, please contact an admissions representative.

I feel very blessed to be a student at the University of Mary because it has enriched my college education more than I could have imagined. I am grateful for the university’s continued dedication to its Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine culture and how it seeks to educate the whole person in both mind and soul. Additionally, the professors that I have had for all of my classes have been truly dedicated to offering me and my classmates the best possible experience in that class.

Martha Hamilton Online Elementary Education, 2025

Program Details

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Your first step is to get in touch with any questions or submit the simple application for admission. We will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance so you can enroll and begin your classes!

If you are serving or have served our country, we sincerely thank you. Our military services office is here to work closely with active duty, retired, reserve, and eligible family members qualified for military benefits. Learn how we can help you with the application process and review the benefits you have earned.

For a full list of fees, visit our Tuition and Fees page.



The University of Mary is committed to putting your educational goals within reach. Learn what scholarships you qualify for.

We welcome students from various backgrounds, including transfer students from institutionally accredited colleges and universities recognized by the US Dept. of Education and those with military or career and work experience. 

How do I show my previous college, military, or work experience?

  • Official transcripts (if applicable) from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 should be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions.
    • Did you graduate from the University of Mary? Then we’ll get your Mary transcript for you!
    • At most other schools, you can request transcripts by going to the National Student Clearinghouse or by contacting the registrar’s office. 
      • Have your transcripts sent to:

        Office of Admissions

        University of Mary

        7500 University Drive

        Bismarck, ND 58504
      • Or request to send electronic transcripts to registrar@umary.edu.
  • Students with previous career or work experience can earn credits for prior learning.
    • You can choose to test for prior learning credits — we convert your test scores into college credit.
    • You can request a portfolio review for prior learning credits. You’ll assemble documentation to show your experience, which will be reviewed and evaluated by an experienced faculty member.
  • Military experience can count towards a degree.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO APPLY?
  • All of our programs require you to fill out the general application form in addition to submitting the application fee and your transcripts.
  • Any program-specific requirements you’ll need to submit in addition to the items listed above can be found in our catalog.

At the University of Mary, we review every application on an individual basis, ensuring that the materials you submit are evaluated with care and attention. Reach out to us if you have any questions in filling out your application.

 

Get Started Today

Apply Online