Is Elementary Education a Hard Major? What Students Should Know in 2026

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Elementary education is often perceived as less challenging compared to other majors, but the reality involves significant academic demands and complex skill development. In the U.S., more than 200,000 students enroll annually in elementary education programs, reflecting growing interest despite the rigorous preparation required. Understanding the true difficulty of this major helps clarify common misconceptions.

This article explores the course rigor, workload expectations, essential skills, and personal factors that influence how challenging an elementary education major can feel. These insights aim to guide prospective students in assessing whether this path aligns with their strengths and career goals.

Key Benefits of Elementary Education as a Major

Elementary education programs develop essential communication and classroom management skills, benefiting career changers who need practical, adaptable knowledge for diverse learning environments.
The flexible structure supports full-time workers by accommodating varied schedules, enabling steady progress without compromising job responsibilities or family commitments.
Traditional undergraduates gain specialized pedagogical expertise and confidence through hands-on experiences, fostering academic growth alongside preparation for state certification requirements.

Where does elementary education rank among the hardest college majors?

Elementary education is often ranked as one of the least difficult college majors in national surveys that assess professor difficulty and student workload. Studies aggregating nearly three million student ratings from over 200 universities reveal that only about 17% of elementary education professors are perceived as challenging, a notably low figure compared to other fields.

This major's curriculum emphasizes foundational teaching strategies and basic subject knowledge rather than advanced technical or analytical skills. While some programs require practicum or fieldwork hours, these generally vary in intensity and are less demanding than lab or research commitments found in STEM disciplines.

The difficulty of elementary education varies depending on individual experience and institutional requirements. For students with strong skills in child development and lesson planning, the major may feel more manageable, while others might find challenges in classroom management or juggling practicum demands alongside personal responsibilities.

Compared to majors like biochemical sciences, engineering, or math-which often have over 60% of professors rated as difficult-elementary education is generally viewed as easier. Yet, it can be more demanding than some arts or humanities fields, demonstrating that perceived difficulty depends heavily on personal strengths, academic background, and career goals.

What factors make elementary education a hard major?

Several academic and skill-related demands combine to make elementary education a challenging major for many students. The requirement to master diverse content areas while developing strong teaching competencies creates a demanding academic environment.

Academic rigor: Elementary education programs require students to gain proficiency in multiple subject areas including mathematics, science, history, and psychology. This broad curriculum ensures that education majors face significant academic challenges in elementary education programs as they must integrate content knowledge with teaching methods.
Time commitment: The major demands extensive coursework often exceeding 60 credit hours, as exemplified by institutions like the University of Sioux Falls. Beyond classes, students engage in supervised field experiences and student teaching, which require preparation, continuous reflection, and assessment.
Technical and analytical complexity: Teaching young learners involves assessing student progress, differentiating instruction, and applying evidence-based strategies. These tasks call for strong analytical skills and emotional intelligence to balance diverse classroom needs as an education major effectively.
Field-specific demands: Students must complete performance evaluations and pass state certification exams. These requirements maintain high standards and ensure readiness for diverse and challenging classroom settings, contributing to sustained workload pressure.

For those interested in exploring educational paths, considering the best accelerated online bachelor degree programs can provide options for managing these rigorous demands within flexible learning environments.

Who is a good fit for a elementary education major?

Identifying the right student profile is essential for success in elementary education. The skills needed to become an elementary school teacher align closely with certain personal qualities and learning styles that help students excel in this demanding major.

Patient and Empathetic: Students who exhibit patience and empathy thrive as they genuinely enjoy working with young children. These qualities encourage understanding of diverse learning needs and support a nurturing classroom environment.
Organized and Detail-Oriented: Being highly organized helps manage lesson planning, classroom management, and student teaching responsibilities effectively. This trait eases handling the substantial workload characteristic of the major.
Strong Communicators: Success often depends on the ability to communicate clearly with students, parents, and colleagues. Those with well-developed communication skills find it easier to collaborate and convey complex concepts across subjects.
Adaptable and Creative: Creativity aids in lesson development across varied subjects like math, language arts, and science. Adaptability is critical for addressing the dynamic, real-world challenges teachers face daily.
Reflective and Collaborative Learners: Students who excel in self-reflection and problem-solving are better equipped to engage deeply with educational psychology and diverse learner strategies, which enhances their success in this major.

A recent report showed education majors maintain a higher-than-average GPA, underscoring the importance of discipline and effective study habits. Prospective students can explore programs at open enrollment online college options to find flexible paths tailored to their strengths and needs.

Breakdown of All Fully Online Title IV Institutions (In Percentage)

Source: U.S. Department of Education, 2023

How can you make a elementary education major easier?

Elementary education can feel overwhelming due to its diverse coursework and heavy reading and planning demands. However, applying targeted strategies can significantly ease the academic burden and improve success.

Create regular study habits: Establishing a fixed time and quiet place for study turns preparation into a routine, minimizing procrastination and stress.
Use active recall techniques: Engage with material through flashcards or self-quizzing to solidify memory and uncover areas needing review.
Divide projects into steps: Breaking assignments into smaller tasks prioritized by deadlines helps prevent last-minute rushes and increases productivity.
Organize notes efficiently: Using clear headings and bullet points enhances comprehension and saves time during exam preparation.
Collaborate with peers actively: Group discussions and teaching others deepen understanding and provide valuable feedback.

When I asked a graduate who majored in elementary education about her experience, she reflected on facing the challenge of balancing lesson planning with theory exams. She told me, "Initially, it felt like too much to manage - tons of reading paired with detailed assignments." Over time, she experimented with combining study methods, such as teaching classmates to reinforce concepts and scheduling daily short review sessions rather than cramming.

This approach "made the workload feel less intimidating and helped me retain information better." She emphasized that finding a personalized system took patience but ultimately transformed her experience into something manageable and even rewarding.

Are admissions to elementary education programs competitive?

Admissions to elementary education programs are generally not highly competitive. Many colleges maintain acceptance rates above 40% due to a large number of available spots and broad applicant pools. Nonetheless, competition intensifies at prestigious or well-funded universities, where acceptance rates can drop below 20%. Factors such as program popularity, regional teacher demand, and the size of the education department largely influence competition levels.

Selectivity varies widely among institutions. While some schools set minimum GPA requirements around 3.0, most do not demand a B average. Competitive programs might require higher GPAs-often exceeding 3.5-along with prerequisite courses in math and English. Some also prefer applicants with prior experience working with children or in educational settings. A recent decline in interest for education majors has generally softened admissions competition, except at elite universities.

When I spoke with a professional who graduated with an elementary education degree, he recalled feeling a mixed sense of reassurance and challenge during the application process. "I wasn't up against an overwhelming crowd, but I knew the program looked carefully at my academic record and volunteer experience," he said. He emphasized the importance of preparing thoughtfully and gaining hands-on experience, explaining, "It wasn't just about grades; showing genuine commitment made a difference." This balanced process helped him move forward confidently into his teaching career.

Is an online elementary education major harder than an on-campus program?

An online elementary education degree program workload is not inherently harder or easier than that of an on-campus program; rather, the difficulty varies based on individual learning preferences and circumstances. Both formats uphold similar academic standards but present distinct challenges in how students engage with the material and manage their time.

Below are key differences between online and campus elementary education majors that highlight factors such as workload, interaction, and support:

Flexibility and pacing: Online programs offer self-paced modules that allow students to study on their own schedules, which benefits those who balance work or family but requires strong self-motivation and time management.
Structured support: On-campus programs provide face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers, fostering immediate feedback and a more guided learning environment that some students find easier for staying engaged.
Workload challenges: Online students often navigate independent assignments and virtual discussions that demand proactive communication, while on-campus students follow scheduled classes and group activities that may feel restrictive to some.
Technical and social factors: Technical issues and social isolation in online programs can increase difficulty for certain learners, whereas campus programs benefit from more direct social support.

Studies indicate a 10-20% higher attrition rate for online learners compared to on-campus, emphasizing the importance of motivation in managing an online elementary education degree program workload. For those interested in related career paths, exploring the top money making majors can provide valuable insights.

Are accelerated elementary education programs harder than traditional formats?

Accelerated elementary education programs are generally harder than traditional formats due to their condensed timelines, faster pacing, and more intense workload demands. Students in accelerated tracks must absorb material quickly, which intensifies both academic expectations and time-management challenges.

Below is a comparison highlighting key differences between accelerated vs accelerated elementary education and traditional programs.

Course pacing and content density: Accelerated programs cover the same curriculum in 12 to 24 months versus two to four years, resulting in a faster, more compressed learning environment.
Workload management: Traditional programs offer a slower pace that suits students new to higher education or those preferring gradual learning, while accelerated formats are best for highly motivated, disciplined individuals or those with prior college experience.
Academic expectations and skills: Accelerated courses demand mastery of teaching concepts and practical skills within shorter timeframes, increasing stress and requiring strong organizational abilities.
Learning retention and stress: Research indicates retention may decline in accelerated programs because of limited review time, and students often face higher stress levels compared to the more balanced demands of traditional programs.
Flexibility and daily structure: Some accelerated programs offer online or hybrid formats for added flexibility, but the daily workload tends to be rigid, leaving little room for extracurriculars or downtime.

For prospective students seeking information about affordable options, checking out accredited online universities with no application fee may provide accessible alternatives. Overall, deciding between traditional vs accelerated elementary education formats depends on one's learning style, prior experience, and ability to manage concentrated academic demands.

Can you manage a part-time job while majoring in elementary education?

Students majoring in elementary education can hold part-time jobs, but success depends on factors like course intensity, weekly hours, and job flexibility. Workload fluctuates, often lighter early on but more demanding during practicum or student teaching phases, sometimes requiring up to 40 hours a week on-site.

Flexible schedules-such as evening or remote work-are crucial since daytime hours are frequently occupied by classes and fieldwork. Individual time management and study habits also heavily influence the ability to juggle both commitments.

Balancing part-time employment with elementary education studies involves careful planning due to the field's extensive reading, lesson planning, and hands-on teaching experiences. Students who space out challenging courses across semesters and limit overcommitment generally fare better. Jobs accommodating variable hours help maintain focus during intense practicum periods.

Many rely on academic resources like tutoring or online platforms to keep up when workload peaks. Despite these strategies, some students find balancing demands difficult, especially during full-time teaching placements requiring significant on-site attendance and preparation.

What jobs do elementary education majors get, and are they as hard as the degree itself?

Career options for elementary education majors vary widely in difficulty, responsibility, and required skills. While some roles match the rigor of the elementary education major, others offer less demanding or differently challenging work environments.

Elementary school teacher: Most graduates become classroom teachers who plan lessons, manage classrooms, and meet state standards. This position is as demanding as the major, requiring multitasking, emotional resilience, and continuous professional growth.
Instructional designer: These professionals develop educational materials and curricula, often working remotely or in office settings. The job is less physically intense than teaching but presents analytical and technical challenges that require specialized expertise.
Curriculum developer: Curriculum developers design and evaluate educational programs for schools or publishers. Their work is intellectually rigorous but usually less stressful than classroom teaching, with more regular hours and lower immediate pressures.
Child care center administrator: Administrators manage daily operations, staff, and regulatory compliance in child care facilities. Although demanding due to managerial duties, the role is generally less academically intense than the major itself.
Educational consultant: Consultants guide schools or organizations on teaching methods and policies. This role involves less direct interaction with children but requires strong communication and problem-solving abilities, offering a different form of challenge.

Students often ask, is being an elementary school teacher hard? The answer reflects the balance of emotional, intellectual, and organizational demands typical in this career. For those exploring options, it's helpful to compare roles to determine the best fit. For practical advice on continuing education while working, consider seeking resources on affordable online colleges for working students.

Do elementary education graduates earn higher salaries because the major is harder?

There is no direct link between the difficulty of an elementary education major and higher salary outcomes. While the major involves coursework and skill-building, these academic challenges do not necessarily lead to increased earnings. Salary levels tend to reflect market demand and available job opportunities rather than the program's rigor.

Factors like pedagogical training or coursework intensity have limited influence on financial rewards in this field. Ultimately, earning potential depends on external conditions rather than the major's difficulty alone.

Several external factors shape what elementary education graduates typically earn. Geographic location plays a significant role; for example, teachers in California make around $95,000 annually, while those in New York earn about $92,000. Employment setting also impacts income, with local government teachers earning more than those in child day care services, where average salaries hover near $43,950.

Experience further influences compensation, as salaries rise from roughly $36,210 in the first year to $60,920 after a decade or more of teaching. These aspects, rather than academic challenge, primarily determine salary differences.

What Graduates Say About Elementary Education as Their Major

Timothy: "Pursuing elementary education was challenging but incredibly rewarding. The coursework demanded a deep understanding of teaching strategies and child development, which made it tough at times. However, knowing that the average cost of attendance was manageable made the investment feel worthwhile for the meaningful career I now have."

Emilio: "Studying elementary education definitely pushed me academically, but it was more about patience and adaptability than pure difficulty. The cost, when factoring in tuition and materials, felt steep initially, yet the impact on my ability to shape young minds made every penny valuable. This major truly shaped my personal growth as much as my professional path."

Xavier: "From a professional standpoint, elementary education requires dedication and strong organizational skills, making it a challenging field of study. The financial aspect was significant, given that the average cost of attendance can be high, but the knowledge and experience gained prepared me well for the demands of teaching. I'm grateful for how this major positioned me to make a real difference in classrooms. "

Other Things You Should Know About Elementary Education Degrees

What kind of coursework does an elementary education major typically include?

Students majoring in elementary education usually take courses in child development, educational psychology, curriculum design, and instructional strategies. These classes are designed to prepare future teachers to understand both the academic and social needs of young learners. Additionally, practical teaching experience through student teaching or internships is a core component of the program.

How important is classroom management training in the elementary education major?

Classroom management training is critical in elementary education programs. It equips students with techniques to maintain an effective learning environment and handle diverse behaviors. Since managing a classroom can be one of the most challenging aspects of teaching young children, this training is emphasized throughout the major.

Do elementary education majors need to complete a student teaching internship?

Yes, most elementary education majors are required to complete a student teaching internship before graduation. This hands-on experience allows students to apply their knowledge in real classrooms under the supervision of experienced teachers. It is essential for developing practical skills and meeting certification requirements in many states.

Is lesson planning a significant part of the elementary education curriculum?

Lesson planning is a major focus in an elementary education major. Students learn to design lessons that align with learning standards and accommodate diverse student needs and abilities. Mastering lesson planning is necessary for effective teaching and is practiced extensively during course work and student teaching.