At Saint Joseph's University, education is approached as a vocation rather than a career. Aspiring teachers learn how to manage a classroom and effectively teach, as well as how their role as educators make a difference in their communities.
What Sets Our Program Apart
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The Office of Student Teaching and Field Experiences coordinates field placement in K-12 schools, as well as full-time, 14-week student-teaching placement.
Many education courses at Saint Joseph's University involve a field component to prepare you for your student-teaching experience. In these courses, you will spend three hours per week in an elementary or middle school classroom. Field experience requirements increase in responsibility from first observing teachers in their area of study, then assisting with small group work and finally preparing and teaching lesson plans.
Saint Joseph's teacher education and special education departments have strong relationships with local public, charter and private schools and manage this field component for students. These departments emphasize a strong commitment to urban education and a preferential option for low-income families.
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As an education major, you will have the option to take service-learning classes. These classes combine academics with experience and reflection. Lectures, textbook reading and tests are augmented by service practice with schools and non-profit agencies in the Philadelphia area.
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The education department has a strong commitment to study abroad. Many of our students have the opportunity to study student education in an international context in such locations as Denmark, Ireland and Spain.
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As an education major you will have the opportunity to participate in educational organizations, including:
- Kappa Delta Pi - The Saint Joseph's chapter of the international honors society in education
- Student Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA)
- Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
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Students who successfully complete the program, maintain a GPA of 3.0 and pass the required PRAXIS exam (a knowledge and skills assessment exam required for certification) can apply for Pennsylvania Level 1 teacher certification. This certification is good for six years of teaching before renewal.
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Saint Joseph's offers a variety of advanced degree options to help graduates advance their careers, including:
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At Saint Joseph's University, faculty members in the education department are dedicated to helping future teachers understand adolescent minds. Courses within the department concentrate on social studies, science, mathematics and English literacy. Additionally, there is a focus on elementary and middle school education courses that emphasize instructional techniques, adolescent development and the role of schools in society.
As an elementary and middle school education major, you will balance theory and practice in teaching-related courses. Most education courses provide the opportunity to investigate effective teaching methods and research while participating in field experiences in local schools.
What Can I Do With a Degree in Education?
Once you complete your education major and take your Praxis exams to earn Level 1 certification, you can become a classroom teacher, helping to shape young minds. Your Saint Joseph's education will prepare you to teach in public, private or parochial school settings.
Program Details
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View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.
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Affordable tuition rates can be found on our tuition and fees website.*
*Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our tuition & fees page for a detailed breakdown.
Admission Information
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To apply for this program, complete an application online. SAT and/or ACT scores are optional but you can submit them if you think they’ll strengthen your application.
Learn more about admissions requirements and how to apply as a first-year student, transfer student or international student.
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First-Year Students
Applications for high school students are available beginning August 1 of your senior year. Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision options are available. For a full timeline of deadlines, visit our admission page.Transfer Students
Applications to transfer to Saint Joseph’s are accepted on a rolling basis for fall and spring start terms. -
1. To be considered for admission, you must have graduated from an approved secondary school (or be on track to graduate), received a diploma from an accredited home school association or earned a GED.
2. A high school transcript with an official school stamp or an official GED transcript is required. High school transcripts must include courses completed through your junior year as well as courses in progress during your senior year. If you’ve attended any post-secondary institutions, official transcripts for those institutions are required as well.
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Transfer credit may be awarded for previous coursework. A course must meet the following requirements to be considered for transfer to Saint Joseph’s University:
- Undergraduate courses with a grade of “C” or above
- Graduate courses with a grade of “B” or above
- Pass/Fail grades are not eligible for transfer credit
- Must be from a regionally or programmatically accredited institution
- The coursework must match the course offered at Saint Joseph's
- Some programs have a time limit for specific courses
- Earned credit may be submitted for review based on a timeline of less than or equal to 5 to 10 years between completion of course and enrollment at SJU
*Visit the transfer page for a detailed breakdown of courses and institutions eligible for transfer.
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If you are not a United States citizen, you must show proof of permanent resident visa status. Students educated in another country may be admitted if they:
- Satisfy general admission requirements
- Earn a minimum of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based) on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey
Students from English-speaking countries may choose to take the SAT or ACT as an option to the TOEFL exam. An evaluation of foreign transcripts by the World Education Service or other approved agency is required.
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Saint Joseph’s is a military-friendly institution and offers assistance and services to veterans and their dependents who are utilizing educational benefits. Benefits include:
- Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®
- Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
- Chapter 33 Post 911 GI Bill®
- Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Assistance
- Chapter 1606 National Guard or Reserves
- Chapter 1607 National Guard or Reserves (REAP) (*if eligible, must be utilized by November 25, 2019)
- Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP)
- Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)
Explore Other Degree Programs
Through the dual Education PK-4 and Special Education program, you will learn how to manage a classroom and effectively teach while learning how your role as an educator can make a difference in the community.
Students at Saint Joseph’s University who major in English, mathematics, Spanish, Italian, French, classical studies, chemistry, biology, physics or history may add a double major in secondary education. The combination of these programs provides you with the background required to apply for certification as a high school or middle school teacher in your specialty area.