NMU Launches Revised Elementary Education Degree Program

MARQUETTE, MI –

Northern Michigan University (NMU) will introduce a revised bachelor’s degree program in elementary education this fall. The new dual-endorsement major, covering Pre-K to 3rd grade (PK-3) and 3rd to 6th grade (3-6), is designed to prepare students to teach core subjects such as literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. It aligns with Michigan Department of Education certification requirements and includes campus-based coursework and clinical experiences.

The program allows students to complete both endorsements through a 120-credit curriculum and over 600 hours of onsite training. It is structured as a 2+2 model with community and tribal colleges to facilitate credit transfers without extending the time to degree completion. Additionally, a statewide articulation agreement enables high school students completing career tech education programs to transfer coursework to NMU.

NMU encourages students in the program to take both licensure exams in Michigan for better job prospects and transferability to other states. There is significant demand for teachers in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, where most student teaching occurs. NMU expects to enroll 40-50 new first-year students, 12 transfer students, and about 10 post-baccalaureate students annually.

The new program replaces the previous K-8 model, and NMU plans to restructure its secondary education programs to cover grades 7-12, focusing on integrated science, social studies, English language arts, mathematics, and special education, starting this summer.

Learn more about the new dual-endorsement major here. For general information on the School of Education, visit its website.

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