This　paper　develops　a　novel　two-node　linear　composite　beam　element　for　the　steel-concrete　composite　beam　with　elastic　shear　connection.　The　element　stiffness　matrix　takes　into　account　the　effects　of　interface　slip　and　shear　deformation.　Both　simply　supported-　and　continuous　composite　beams　are　used　to　validate　the　proposed　element,　and　a　comparison　is　made　between　the　proposed　element　and　other　methods.　The　impact　of　cross　sectional　shear　deformation　on　deflection　is　also　discussed.　The　results　show　that　the　novel　element　is　capable　of　effectively　and　accurately　calculating　the　deflection　and　slip,　and　is　applicable　to　slender　composite　beams　or　deep　ones.　©　2014　Elsevier　Ltd.