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 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.

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.

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 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.

The secondary education major at Saint Joseph's prepares future high school teachers (grades 7-12). Earn a dual major and become a teacher of English, biology, chemistry, history, mathematics, physics, French, Italian, classical studies (Latin) or Spanish. This program leads to Level 1 Teaching certification in Pennsylvania.

A specialized master’s degree in art education can help you stand apart from other educators as you pursue opportunities to teach or assume educational leadership roles in middle schools and high schools anywhere in America.

The M.S. in Education prepares highly qualified educators to establish effective teaching and learning environments for children in their school and community.

Saint Joseph’s University offers a 36-credit Education M.S. for individuals looking to become an early childhood or elementary teacher. In your coursework, you deepen your understanding of early childhood development and learning needed to teach young learners lifelong learning skills.

With a Master of Science in elementary and middle school education from Saint Joseph’s University, you will graduate with the skills and experience to educate adolescents in grades 4-8. The 36-credit master’s program includes traditional course instruction in addition to student teaching experiences where you can put theory into practice.

The M.S. in Education with a major in Foreign Language Education (PK-12) at Saint Joseph's University is designed to build on the solid foundation of a student’s bachelor’s degree and competency in a foreign language.

Saint Joseph’s University offers the M.S. in Professional Education to meet the diverse continuing professional development needs of teachers and administrators. This degree program provides a flexible curriculum focused on meeting your goals for developing competencies in a variety of areas within the education field.

The reading specialist online master's degree at Saint Joseph's University prepares educators to meet the literacy needs of children. This program offers initial Level 1 certification to candidates who do not have educational backgrounds, as well as those who already hold initial Level 1 certification.

The Secondary Education M.S. will prepare you for a rewarding career as an educator of students in grades 7-12. In the 30-credit program, you will acquire this breadth of knowledge in grades 7-12 education and practical experience. Your graduate education will provide you with the background and tools necessary to meet the wide-ranging needs and learning levels in today’s diverse middle school and high school students.

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.