Undergraduate Degree Programs: Health Studies and Education

The Autism Behavioral Studies program at Saint Joseph’s University has a strong focus in behavioral analysis, medical services, health policy, and more. Students interested in the study of autism also have the opportunity to become involved at the University’s Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support.

The role of parents, educators, doctors and others in the development of children is crucial to their success. Saint Joseph's University's childhood studies major is designed for students looking to specialize in the care and development of young children and youth. Through your coursework and field experience as a childhood studies major, you will learn how to better serve your community, starting with our youngest generation.

The art education program at Saint Joseph’s University prepares future teachers to inspire young artists in a variety of environments. This program will help you develop the necessary skills to be successful in the field, while broadening your range of understanding in the arts.

Early childhood and elementary education at Saint Joseph’s University prepares future teachers of pre-kindergarten through fourth grade. You will not only learn how to manage a classroom and effectively teach, but also how your role as an educator can make a difference in the community. In-class coursework is combined with field experiences in local classrooms from the first year of study through the fourth and leads to Level 1 Teaching certification in Pennsylvania. With Level 1 certification in elementary education, teachers can test into teaching at other grade levels. You will move forward with a strong background in PK4 education and hands-on experience working with young students.

For students aspiring to be elementary and middle grades teachers, Saint Joseph's University's courses emphasize instructional techniques, adolescent development, and the role of schools in society, child and adolescent development, and instructional techniques. Our distinguished faculty will challenge you to confront critical questions, learn pedagogical theories and practices, and understand the development of young minds. This program leads to Level 1 Teaching certification in Pennsylvania. With Level 1 certification in elementary education, teachers can test into teaching at other grade levels. 

The secondary education program at Saint Joseph's University prepares teachers for teaching at the high school level (grades 7-12). Students who wish to teach grades 7-12 major in secondary education and in one of the following content areas: English, biology, chemistry, history, mathematics, physics, French, Italian, Latin and Spanish. This dual major provides students with the knowledge and competencies to apply for certification as a high school teacher in their specialty area. This program leads to Level 1 Teaching certification in Pennsylvania. With Level 1 certification in secondary education, teachers can test into teaching at other grade levels and content areas.

If you know that you’re interested in the medical field and are looking for your niche - be it nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy or health administration - the interdisciplinary health services (IHS) program at Saint Joseph’s University is perfect for you. The curriculum will prepare you for a wide range of health care positions in hospitals, health departments, health agencies, research facilities, schools and various other areas in the healthcare industry.

The dual Education PK-4 and Special Education program will prepare you to teach pre-kindergarten through fourth grade, serving classrooms of all abilities.You will learn how to manage a classroom and effectively teach but also learn how your role as an educator can make a difference in the community. In-class coursework is combined with weekly field experiences in local classrooms from the first year of study through the fourth, and graduates move forward with a strong background of hands-on experience. This program leads to Level 1 Teaching certification in Pennsylvania. With Level 1 certification in elementary education, teachers can test into teaching at other grade levels. You will move forward with a strong background in PK4 education and hands-on experience working with young students.

A minor in educational studies at Saint Joseph's University is available for undergraduates who are interested in building a foundation in education without pursuing the Pennsylvania Department of Education certification. You will take classes in childhood and adolescent development, language, literacy, culture, assessment, evaluation and more.

The Saint Joseph's University's Department of Special Education's innovative curriculum is designed to develop and refine competencies in professional educators in order to meet the demands of teaching students with special needs in a variety of school environments: public and private, urban and suburban.