Morehead State University

What you'll study

The curriculum emphasizes how children learn and how to teach foundational skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Key subject areas typically include:

• Child development and learning theory — understanding cognitive, social, and emotional growth across early and middle childhood.
• Instructional methods — planning lessons, differentiating instruction, and using formative and summative assessment to guide teaching.
• Literacy and language arts — techniques for teaching reading, writing, and oral language to diverse learners.
• Mathematics and content pedagogy — approaches to teach number sense, problem solving, and math concepts at the elementary level.
• Classroom management and inclusive practices — strategies for creating safe, equitable learning environments and adapting instruction for students with varying needs.
• Practicum and student teaching — supervised placements in elementary classrooms to apply theory in authentic settings and demonstrate teaching competence.

Entry requirements

Typical entry expectations include a high school diploma or equivalent and meeting the university's general admission criteria. Candidates should be prepared to satisfy any program-specific requirements such as background checks, immunizations for school placement, maintenance of a minimum GPA, and completion of prerequisite courses in English and mathematics where required.

Career prospects

Graduates commonly pursue classroom teaching positions in public and private elementary schools, often working toward state teaching certification if not already certified. Other career paths include instructional coaching, curriculum specialist roles, special education support, educational program coordination, and graduate study in education or school leadership.

Scholarships & funding angle

Students should explore institutional scholarships for education majors, federal and state financial aid, and teacher-specific grants or loan forgiveness programs tied to service in high-need schools. Work-study, graduate assistantships for future advanced degrees, and local education foundations can also offset costs; check both university financial aid and state education department resources for relevant opportunities.