Education - Elementary/PK-4 & Special Education Dual Major

Overview

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.

WHAT IS A DUAL MAJOR IN PK-4 EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION ELEMENTARY (PK-4)?

The dual Education PK-4 and Special Education program will teach you how to guide a pre-K through 4th-grade classroom in a thoughtful, insightful way. 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. In addition, the Office of Student Teaching and Field Experiences helps you coordinate the three required field experiences or labs as well as your full-time, 14-week student-teaching placement.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A DUAL MAJOR IN EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION ELEMENTARY (PK-4)?

The dual Education PK-4 and Special Education program from Saint Joseph's University will prepare you to teach pre-kindergarten through fourth grade, serving classrooms of all abilities.

EARN YOUR TEACHER CERTIFICATION

Students who successfully complete this dual major program, maintain a GPA of 3.0 and pass the required PECT exams (knowledge and skill assessment exams required for certification) can apply for Pennsylvania Level 1 teacher certification. This certification is good for six years of teaching before renewal. With level 1 certification in elementary education and special education, certified teachers can test into teaching any other grade level and teach in traditional education or special education classrooms. The areas of reading specialist and health and physical education require certification completion of their respective programs.

HOW WILL SAINT JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY PREPARE YOU FOR A CAREER IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION?

SERVICE LEARNING

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.

STUDY ABROAD

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.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

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)

Continue Your Study in Education

Saint Joseph's offers a variety of advanced degree options to help graduates advance their careers, including:

View Curriculum and Courses

Special Education MS

Today, almost every classroom includes a number of students with disabilities — either physical, educational, emotional or a combination of all three. Our 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.

Education - Elementary and Middle School (Grades 4 - 8)

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.

Education - Early Childhood, PK-4

Students who major in early childhood education at Saint Joseph’s University focus their studies on child development, building educational foundations, the role of schools in society, and the assessment and evaluation of learning and progress.