• People who are interested in teaching children in elementary school.
• People who are invested in education and are interested in inspiring the next generation of students.

Program graduates teach in public schools K-6, public preschools, private schools, and private preschools. Program graduates also pursue graduate degrees in education and other fields.

Once completing an initial teacher licensure program, graduates are eligible to apply for a state license through the Hawai‘i Teacher Standards Board, which will allow the licensee to teach in public and charter schools in the State of Hawai‘i.

Hawai‘i also participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement which facilitates the mobility of educators among states that are members of NASDTEC. UHM recommends you contact the office of certification in any state to which you may be relocating to get the most current information. See NASDTEC website for more information.

When applying for this program, students will select from one of two delivery options:

Campus-based

Classroom meetings take place on the Manoa campus, Monday – Thursday, which includes field experience (two days in a PK-3 or K-6 classroom).

Hybrid/Online

Designed for off-island and distance learners, program coursework is comprised of online meetings with 2 – 4 weekends a semester that require face-to-face meetings.

This program is cohort-based, with students only admitted in the fall term each year as part of a group that takes initial classes together. In a cohort model, students enroll in a series of core courses, beginning and ending the series together. Such an approach helps build community and support structures within the program.

• 2.75 GPA or higher
• Complete 55 credits prior to beginning the program. The 55 credits can be from UHM and/or approved transfer credits from another institution.
• Complete UHM General Education Core Requirements prior to the start of program. Applicants who have completed an articulated Associates of Arts (AA) degree from a UH Community College are considered to have met the UHM General Education Core Requirements with possible exceptions (see an academic advisor).
• Complete Licensure-Track Prerequisite Courses
  • MATH 111
  • MATH 112 (FS)
  • MUS 253, THEA 470, DNCE 490 or any other DA course
  • HWST 107 (DH)
  • HDFS 230 or PSY 240 (DS)
  • SPED 304
  • STE/EDEF 360
• Effective Fall 2025: Either DA or DL course with HWST 107 (DH) will be required for admission prior to the start of the licensure program.
• Effective Fall 2025: Completion of two Writing Intensive (WI) courses with C or better will be required for admission prior to the start of the licensure program (Non-UH system transfer students can meet this requirement by completing 2 English Literature or Composition courses with grades of C or better).
• Complete 40 hours of paid or voluntary group leadership field experience with K-6th grade students. The experience cannot have occurred more than 5 years prior to acceptance into the program.
• Interview with the program
• Write a personal statement
• Provide Three (3) Professional References

All applicants are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor prior to applying in order to verify admission requirements. Academic advisors can assist with identifying which requirements have been met and provide support in registering or completing next steps.

Set up an appointment with an academic advisor

New cohorts start only in Fall semesters. Application deadlines are as follows:

• International Students: January 5 (refer to the International Admission Process for detailed information)
• February 1: General Priority Deadline
• March 1*: General Final Deadline

Coursework needed prior to starting the program (6 credits):

• Elementary Education Emphasis Courses
  • SPED 304
  • STE/EDEF 360

Required and STRONGLY recommended to take prior to starting the program (6 credits):

• Elementary Education Emphasis Courses
  • EDEF 310 (or EDEF 352)
  • EDEP 311

Work with your Office of Student Academic Services (OSAS) Academic Advisor to schedule the above Elementary Education Emphasis courses. Some of these courses may be offered in the summer.

Program Coursework (54 credits)

Once in the program, your coursework will be block-scheduled by your cohort coordinator(s); your seat is guaranteed. Teacher candidates must complete the following:

• Additional emphasis course (3 credits): SPED 444
• Professional Education Core Courses (51 credits):

Several courses fulfill Focus Requirements for general UHM graduation: