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.

Saint Joseph's University's Elementary/Middle school (4-8) major is built upon a strong liberal arts curriculum, helping students integrate their understanding of interdisciplinary content with child and adolescent learning.

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.

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.