Baker College

What you'll study

The curriculum blends general education, professional education and subject-area content. The full program comprises 27 credit hours of general education, 44 credit hours of professional education courses, and 49 credit hours of subject-area content and methods covering literacy, mathematics, science and social studies. Practical experience components include over 200 hours of observation and apprenticeship in P–6 classrooms and a 480-hour supervised student teaching experience.

• Sample courses: Introduction to Professional Education Experience (EDU 2150) — introduces school structure, contemporary issues, foundations of education and includes participation in a P–6 classroom; Elementary Literacy I (ELM 2410) — early literacy development, curriculum design and assessment, with participation in P–6 settings; Classroom Development (EDU 4150) — techniques for creating positive learning environments and a culminating Classroom Development Plan, including 30 hours of fieldwork.
• Formats and pacing: The program lists an average completion time of four years (120 credits). An accelerated track is available for students who already hold 30 general education credits, allowing faster progression. Core programme courses are offered through Online Live (100% online with set class times); core courses are not offered on campus or through Baker Online, though some general education and prerequisite courses may be available on campus or via Baker Online each semester.

Entry requirements

Enrollment is restricted to Michigan residents and to applicants who intend to work in Michigan after completing the degree. Successful progression in the Elementary Education program requires earning a grade of C or better in specified program courses. Program completion plus passing the required MTTC licensure exams is necessary to become certified in Michigan (eligible for certification in two grade bands: preschool through grade 3, and grade 3 through grade 6).

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to teach all subjects in preschool through 6th grade and, after meeting licensure requirements, to seek employment in Michigan elementary schools. The program’s combination of subject-matter methods and extended supervised student teaching is designed to provide readiness for classroom teaching roles across the P–6 range.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Funding options for undergraduate teacher preparation typically include institutional scholarships, federal student aid, state-specific grants and employer or district tuition reimbursement once employed. Prospective applicants should contact Baker College’s financial aid office and review Michigan state teacher scholarship and grant programs to identify aid targeted to teacher candidates and Michigan residents.