Bachelor’s in Elementary Education: Christian Education Emphasis
Bachelor’s in Elementary Education: Christian Education Emphasis
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This program offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of educational principles while integrating Christian values into your teaching practice. Through GCU’s flexible online format, you can conveniently pursue your degree and study the knowledge and skills taught to make a difference in the lives of young learners.
Work toward your dream of becoming a teacher informed by biblical principles and a Christian worldview. Apply today for enrollment in GCU’s College of Education for the Christian elementary education pathway.
Teaching jobs in kindergarten and elementary schools, including Christian education institutions, are on the rise.1 Many Christian schools are looking for people with Christian elementary education experience to meet those growing needs.2
After graduating with a BS in elementary education: Christian education emphasis, you have the option to position yourself to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher that can align with your passion for teaching and your Christian faith.
Christian educators can work in a variety of environments. These might include school settings as well as locations hosting private educational programs. Some of these environments may require affiliation with specific Christian denominations or beliefs in specific biblical teachings.
After graduating, you can position yourself to find work in the following industries:
"I’m so passionate about our mission to support, connect and protect Christian educators so that they can serve as thriving ambassadors for Christ in our schools."
- Michelle Keso , Associate Adjunct Professor, College of Education
This degree program, like others from the College of Education leading to teacher certification, may require practicum hours, state examinations, student teaching and institutional recommendations from GCU.
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
This program has received full accreditation from Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), acknowledging its commitment to preparing you to become an effective educator who continuously develops professionally. This accreditation confirms its dedication and capability to uphold high-quality standards.
You will be taught foundational competencies in pedagogy, from learning assessments to lesson development to classroom management. Instructional strategies, teaching methodologies, assessment techniques and Christian values and ethics are at the core of the degree. Courses are led by knowledgeable faculty in areas such as elementary education, Christian studies and faith-based instructional practices. To help future teachers fulfill their dreams, this program may lead to initial licensure in the field of elementary education.
The bachelor’s in elementary education degree with a Christian education emphasis at GCU will teach you how to deliver Christ-centered educational experiences for students in K-8 classrooms. For this on-campus and online degree, the college uses a Christian worldview to ensure the integrity of its overall programming. The BS in Christian elementary education combines the educational history of the college with our faith-based approach to teach you to step into your own classroom with faith and integrity.
To pursue Christian teaching jobs at the elementary level, you will be required to compete 120 hours of observational and practice-based experiences in addition to your coursework. As a part of those 120 hours of experiential learning, you are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours in an ACSI or CCSC-approved Christian school. You will also serve as a student-teacher in 15-week programs, preferably conducted at a Christian education school.
This BS in elementary education: Christian education emphasis degree at Grand Canyon University will teach you not only how to be an elementary teacher, but how to do it from a faith-based perspective. You will be taught the skills needed to guide children through an academic journey infused with a biblical perspective. In addition, you will study child and adolescent development in both theory and practice through class and field learning experiences.
By offering a comprehensive curriculum that combines educational principles with Christian values, this program focuses on teaching you to build a solid foundation that can prepare you to pursue meaningful work in the field of elementary education. It can prepare you with the necessary knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in the lives of students. If creating an environment that fosters academic growth and spiritual development interests you, this degree program may be a good fit for you.
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is based on September 2021, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, retrieved on June 27, 2023.
2 Best Accredited Colleges (2022, April 4). Christian Education: Jobs & Salary. Retrieved on July 5, 2023.
Deciding upon a career path and a relevant degree program is a significant undertaking. Take the time to research your options thoroughly. You may find the following frequently asked questions and answers helpful as you make your decision.
While the Bible does not provide explicit guidance on formal education systems or curriculum, it emphasizes the value of passing on knowledge, wisdom and guidance to future generations. For example, Proverbs 16:16 instructs us that wisdom and understanding are more important than material possessions. Similarly, John 8:32 states, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
This emphasis can have many benefits, such as fostering an environment that can encourage character development, ethical decision-making and a strong sense of community. Additionally, students in this program may have opportunities to explore faith-based teaching methods and incorporate biblical principles into their instructional practices. With a bachelor’s in elementary education with a Christian education emphasis, you will be taught the skills and tools necessary that can help prepare you to pursue Christian teaching jobs at private schools that value God’s Word. This opportunity can provide you with the potential to help guide children in learning not only key academic topics such as math and English, but also scriptural topics.
The Christian education degree program strives to teach you how to apply evidence-based practices in the classroom, such as learning assessments and lesson development for diverse learners. It also teaches you about crucial topics such as special education laws and practices. Throughout all that, you will be taught biblical principles and the Christian worldview will remain top of mind.
The bachelor’s in elementary education with a Christian education emphasis strives to deliver a comprehensive education that teaches you to develop core competencies in the subject area. It’s difficult to characterize any given degree program as “hard” or “easy” because every student may have a unique experience with it. While the program may present challenges and rigorous coursework, it also offers valuable learning experiences and opportunities for personal an professional growth.
Future teachers may be able to seek initial licensure for elementary and middle school roles, as well as train in the disciplines of Christian formation. In addition to the general elementary education programming, GCU students will take specialized courses in the biblical, philosophical and spiritual foundations of Christian development. The additional training meets the requirements of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
This degree program, like others from the College of Education leading to teacher certification, may require practicum hours, state examinations, student teaching and institutional recommendations from GCU.
Your journey in this education degree with a Christian education emphasis teaches the following:
Lesson development to engage diverse learners
Assessment practices to support student achievement
Classroom management techniques
Special education laws and practices
Christian ethics as related to educational issues and current events
Biblical-based character development
Christian worldview as a basis for educational practice and philosophy
