TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) - Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) Tifton campus is bringing a new academic program.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education starts Fall term of 2026. The program is designed to prepare highly skilled teachers for Pre-K through 5th grade classrooms, emphasizing hands-on learning with a focus on rural education.

ABAC leaders say this new program will add to its nationally recognized Agricultural Education program, which is the largest Agricultural Education major in the United States in Fall 2025.

“A lot of our folks graduate high school and they want to stay in their communities. We want to provide a pathway for them to not just be an educator in their community, but we want to create a pathway so that they know what it is like to teach in a rural location,” Dr. Melissa Baker, Department Head for Education and Wellness said. “It is making us a space to lead in preparing teachers who understand and committed to the strength of rural communities.”

In addition to preparing students for the workforce, ABAC says 55% of students graduate without student loan debt thanks to scholarship opportunities and financial aid programs.

Next year, the Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education will extend to the Banbridge campus, encompassing all of South Georgia.

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