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Putting you on the road to teaching certification

A Point Park Department of Education student takes notes during field experience in a classroom.

At Point Park, we welcome students transferring from community colleges or other four-year institutions. We invite you to explore our education degree programs to find the best path to achieve your career aspirations.

We offer education degrees at the following levels:

Special note about early childhood or elementary education certification

Due to changes in the Pennsylvania Department of Education certification regulations, transfer students interested in an education degree program need to carefully review their situation before selecting a program of study at Point Park. Please contact the Department of Education at 412-392-3972 or jorwig@pointpark.edu to discuss prior college credits earned and degree program options that will put you on track to Pennsylvania certification.

Students transferring to Point Park with an associate's degree in early childhood or elementary education may be eligible to complete those certifications under the state's previous regulations. Students transferring with bachelor's degrees may choose to enter the post-baccalaureate programs leading to early childhood or elementary education degrees and certifications. 

See more details below about Point Park's early childhood and elementary education degree programs.

Early Childhood Education

PROGRAM GUIDE - B.A. | PROGRAM GUIDE - POST-BAC
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS | FACULTY | SCHEDULE OF COURSES

The bachelor's degree program in early childhood education prepares you to work with children from six weeks through 3rd grade. Course work includes:

  • Children's Play
  • The Child from Conception to Eight
  • Marriage and the Family
  • Teaching in Early Childhood
  • Early Childhood Curriculum Planning
  • Student Teaching

Emphasizing the role of the specialist in today's educational system, the program leading to certification in early childhood education allows students to integrate particular academic disciplines with a comprehensive knowledge of appropriate teaching/learning strategies. The program is available to undergraduates as well as to individuals with baccalaureate degrees wishing to teach in the schools.

Students are eligible to apply for Instructional I Certificate issued by the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, if they have successfully:

  • Completed the program leading to certification;
  • Passed the required PRAXIS exams; and
  • Demonstrated competence in student teaching.

Elementary Education

PROGRAM GUIDE - B.A. | PROGRAM GUIDE - POST-BAC
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS | FACULTY | SCHEDULE OF COURSES

The bachelor's degree program in elementary education prepares you to teach children from kindergarten through 6th grade. Areas of study include:

  • Educational Technology
  • The Child from Five to Fourteen
  • Algebra
  • United States History
  • Geography
  • Elementary Curriculum Planning
  • Teaching in Elementary School
  • Multicultural Diversity Issues
  • Special Education
  • Student Teaching

Emphasizing the role of the specialist in today's educational system, the program leading to certification in elementary education allows students to integrate particular academic disciplines with a comprehensive knowledge of appropriate teaching/learning strategies. The program is available to undergraduates as well as to individuals with baccalaureate degrees wishing to teach in the schools.

Students are eligible to apply for Instructional I Certificate issued by the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania if they have successfully:

  • Completed the program leading to certification;
  • Passed the required PRAXIS exams;
  • And demonstrated competence in student teaching.

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