Primary Education
Bachelor of Science

Fall
- PHIL 100: Ethics as Intro to Philosophy............ 3cr.
- BIOL 130/131- Natural Science Elective............ 3cr.
- EDFD 110: Human Development- Social Science Elective............ 3cr.
- Second Language I............ 3cr.
- CORE 100 First-Year Seminar............ 3cr.
- CORE 101 Goa: First-Year Co-Curriculum Program I............ 0cr.
Spring
- ENGL 101 or 115: English............ 3cr.
- THEO 111: Theological Foundations............ 3cr.
- PHYS 114/115: Our Universe- Scientific Perspectives, Quantitative Reasoning Flag............ 3cr.
- EDFD 101: Intro to Education............ 3cr.
- EDSP 205 Foundations Special Ed............. 3cr.
- Second Language II............ 3cr.
- CORE 102 Goa: First-Year Co-Curriculum Program II............ 0cr.
Fall
- MATH 211: Number Sense- Math Perspectives............ 3cr.
- EDEC 210: Child Development- Writing Flag............ 3cr.
- EDFD 251: Instructional Technology............ 3cr.
- EDEL 351: Instructional Strategies for EL............ 3cr.
- EDEL 352: Culturally Responsive Classrooms- Solidarity and Kinship Flag............ 3cr.
- Second Language III............ 3cr.
Spring
- MATH 212: Geometry - Math Perspectives............ 3cr.
- HIST 199: Historical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- EDRE 269: Phonics and Foundations of Literacy............ 3cr.
- EDRE 312: Reading Methods............ 3cr.
- EDCH 324: Children’s Literature- Humanities Elective............ 3cr.
- EDME 359: Community & Advocacy- E/RS and Oral Communication Flag............ 3cr.
Fall
- EDEC 325: Methods of Observation............ 3cr.
- EDEC 230: Play in Early Childhood............ 3cr.
- EDEL 403: Primary Math Methods............ 3cr.
- EDEL 404: Primary Science Methods............ 6cr.
- EDEL 407: Primary Math/Science Field
- EDRE 478: Literary Assessments............ 3cr.
Spring
- EDEL 409: Transitions to Intermediate............ 3cr.
- EDEC 350: Primary Integrated Art- Creative Perspectives............ 3cr.
- EDEL 405: Primary Language Arts Methods............ 3cr.
- EDEL 406: Primary Social Studies Methods............ 3cr.
- EDEL 408: Primary LA/SS Field............ 3cr.
- EDRE 471: Content Area Literacy............ 3cr.
Fall
- EDEC 450: Primary Student Teaching............ 9cr.
- EDFD 450: Current Issues Seminar............ 3cr.
- Elective or course toward minor or endorsement (optional)
Spring
- ENGL 205: Literature and the Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
- PHIL 200: Philosophical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- THEO 200+: Theological Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Elective or course toward minor or endorsement............ 3cr.
- Elective or course toward minor or endorsement (optional)............ 3cr.
- CORE 499
Employers
Cincinnati Public Schools, Deer Park Community City Schools, Hamilton County Educational Service Center, Lakota School District, Lockland Local Schools, Princeton School District, Reading Community School District, Roger Bacon High School, Sacred Heart of Jesus School, St. Bernard School District, Sycamore City School District
Intro To Education (EDFD 101)
This course provides an introduction to the foundational, philosophical and organizational patterns of United States education. Topics include the review of history, philosophy, societal impact, and school culture. Lesson planning introduced. Required field experience.
Play in Early Childhood Education (EDEC 230)
This course provides an overview of the theory and practice concerning developmental aspects of play, creativity, imagination and their relationship to music, movement and creative drama. The teacher’s role in preparation of the play environment is covered, including issues of special needs children.
Phonics and the Foundation of Literature (EDRE 269)
This course covers the history of the English language, linguistics and the use of phonetics as it relates to the reading process. Phonics and phonemic awareness as major strategies in comprehension for emergent readers. Holistic philosophy and teaching. A minimum of 15 hours of field work is required.
Educators for Justice
Are you an education major or minor looking to connect with Cincinnati's professional education community? Join Educators for Justice! Our monthly meetings offer opportunities for spiritual, intellectual and moral growth through professional development, service and community building.
Embrace Evanston
Join Embrace Evanston and help address educational inequality at Evanston Academy. As a member, you'll lead after-school programs, mentor students, tutor and participate in physical activities.
Kappa Delta Pi
Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) is an international honors society for education students. Its purpose is to foster professional fellowship and professional development and to honor achievement. This club works to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of education students, provide professional development opportunities and create community. Kappa Delta Pi exists to support Xavier's future educators and help them become men and women for others in their future careers.
Program Features
In Xavier’s education programs, “I have class” usually means you’re the one teaching it. Benefit from experiential learning that begins your first year.
Connect with inspiring mentors who are practicing elementary school teachers in local schools, providing real-world insights and shaping your future career path.
We have partnerships with 50+ school districts in southwestern Ohio and northern Kentucky for field experiences and student teaching.
Xavier’s School of Education is fully accredited by the Ohio Department of Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Latest

Xavier University’s School of Education offers various opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom and travel the world.

With a variety of programs and student clubs, students can gain hands-on experience in a wide-range of settings, from tutoring to educational outreach

Meet five Xavier University education students, each with their unique story of what drew them to the classroom.
Gain a competitive edge in our exclusive Latino Focus program, which includes interdisciplinary courses, selected field assignments a 10-day study abroad experience.
Join the Mini Muskies tutoring program and become a mentor to a nearby elementary school student.
FAQ
Prepare for a successful career as an educator by earning your BS in Primary Education at Xavier. Discover more.
Xavier University's BS in Primary Education program prepares students for the following licensure and certification:
- Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE): This is a state-required assessment for all teacher candidates in Ohio.
- Primary Education: This licensure qualifies teachers to work with students in grades Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5, all four content areas.
Please note: Licensure requirements can change over time, so it's always recommended to consult with Xavier's School of Education for the most up-to-date information.
View Xavier's Professional Licensure Disclosure page for more details.
As a first year student, you'll take EDEL 100: Introduction to Education in the spring semester. This course provides field experience in both primary and middle childhood, giving you a chance to explore both levels and decide which one best suits you. You'll also learn about the teaching profession and if it's the right path for you.
Yes. Xavier’s School of Education is fully accredited by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Additionally, Xavier University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Yes. The University Scholars Honors Program offers students in the primary education major a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant.
Primary Education (Grades P-5) Program at Xavier University
The P-5 Primary Education program at Xavier University prepares graduates for careers as teachers in public and private schools. Many graduates also work in other educational settings such as hospitals and child care centers, or outdoor education and nature centers. The program has relationships with over 50 Cincinnati area schools to provide students with multiple options for required student-teaching experiences that often lead to full-time teaching jobs. About a quarter of graduates go on to earn master’s degrees, including at Xavier, leading to more job opportunities.
Xavier University's College of Professional Sciences prepares undergraduate and graduate students intellectually, morally and spiritually for careers and professions of service. CPS challenges students to strive for academic excellence and life-long learning through promoting collaboration and community partnerships, and incorporating research, scholarship and innovation.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."