Department of Teacher Education Academic Programs and Degrees

The role of parents, educators, doctors and others in the development of children is crucial to their success. Saint Joseph's University's Child and Family 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 major at Saint Joseph's University prepares future teachers with the skills necessary to be successful educators in the field. You'll earn a broad understanding of the arts and learn to use your skills in thoughtful, expressive and creative ways as a teacher.

Saint Joseph's University's undergraduate teacher education programs are built upon a strong liberal arts curriculum, helping students integrate their understanding of interdisciplinary content with child and adolescent learning.

Earn your Master of Science in Elementary Education (PK-4) from Saint Joseph’s University in preparation to teach pre-kindergarten through fourth grade.

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.

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.

Offered in person and online, Saint Joseph’s master's in art education prepares you to advance your skills in the arts as well as broaden your theoretical and practical knowledge in art education.

Saint Joseph’s Foreign Language master’s degree (K-12) is a 30-credit program that includes teacher’s certification in a foreign language.

Saint Joseph’s University offers a 30-credit Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction that supports K-12 teachers, curriculum specialists, STEM and literacy professionals in their continuing education and professional development. The program is fully online with a concentration in STEM Education, Literacy and ESL Teaching and Learning. 

Saint Joseph’s University’s Master of Science in education, elementary/middle school, will prepare you for initial instructional certification.

The online master's in reading specialist program is designed for those who seek to improve literacy and reading achievement in their school or district. Graduates of this program go on to become reading specialists, literacy coaches or instructional specialists in PK-12 reading programs.

Offered 100% online, Saint Joseph’s Master of Science in Secondary Education will prepare you to teach grades 7-12.

A minor in educational studies at Saint Joseph’s University is designed for undergraduates who are interested in building a base in education without earning Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) certification. You will take classes in childhood and adolescent development, language, literacy, culture, assessment, evaluation and more.

Adult learners 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.

Saint Joseph’s University’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Specialist certificate prepares individuals who possess Level I or Level II instructional certification to teach non-native speakers of English to be proficient in speaking, reading and writing English.

Saint Joseph’s online Reading Specialist Certificate is for teachers who hold Level 1 Certification and seek to pursue certification as a reading specialist.