Elementary Education Degree

Bachelor of Arts in Pre-K through Grade 4

Offered on campus and fully online

Inspire Young Minds

Point Park University's elementary education degree program — offered on campus and fully online — prepares students to teach children from Pre-Kindergarten through fourth grade in Pennsylvania’s public school systems and beyond.

Students become eligible to apply for the 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, which measure academic skills; and
Demonstrated competence in student teaching.

Special Education Dual Certification Option

In addition to the initial certification program, our elementary education students can choose to simultaneously complete the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s requirements for special education certification. Learn about the degree requirements required to obtain the dual certification.

Courses & Topics

You will receive a well-rounded education through our core curriculum and classes in the elementary education major. Courses in the program include:

Family and Community Diversity
Reading Methods I and II
Methods of Language Arts
Educational Theories and Practices
Integrating Curriculum and Instruction
High Incidence Disabilities/Autism Spectrum Disorders (dual certification only)

Fully Online Degree Option

Schedule a call with an admissions counselor Apply now

Point Park’s online programs are offered in a flexible format at an affordable cost. Most online courses are 8 weeks long and are always offered asynchronously for your convenience.

Online students have access to the same great benefits as those on campus:

Point Park faculty with real-world experience.
Small online class sizes for individualized attention.
A full spectrum of University resources .
A student success advisor offering support from application to graduation, who will guide you to successfully complete your degree.

Apply now!

Meet Our Faculty

Janice Glunk, Ed.D., professor of education

Dr. Glunk has served as both a superintendent and director of curriculum and instruction.

Faculty Bio

Christal Edmunds, Ph.D., professor of education

Dr. Edmunds is committed to being a change agent for creating centered, capable and empowered future teachers.

Stanley Denton, Ph.D., professor of education

Dr. Denton has been a practitioner in the fields of multicultural education, human relations and social psychology since 1975.

Faculty Bio

Virginia Chambers, Ed.D., interim dean of the School of Education and associate professor of education

"I am passionate about teaching and learning. I look forward to teaching each and every course and getting to know my students."

Faculty Bio

Kristen Misutka, Ph.D., assistant professor of education and coordinator of the M.Ed. in Reading and Literacy, M.Ed. in Teaching and Leadership and Reading Specialist certificate programs

Prior to joining the School of Education as full-time faculty, Dr. Misutka was an adjunct faculty member at Point Park and a teacher at Gateway School District.

Faculty Bio

Kamryn York, Ed.D., interim chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning, assistant professor of education and coordinator of the M.Ed. in Athletic Coaching & Administration and M.Ed. with certification in PreK-4 programs

Dr. York has experience teaching Pre-K through sixth grade, leading as a teacher mentor and working as a behavioral specialist serving children with autism and their families.

Faculty Bio

Matt's Maker Space Labs at Point Park

Elementary education majors at Point Park have access to two Matt's Maker Space Lab classrooms on campus, allowing them to explore a variety of teaching methods related to STEM and maker education.

Learn more about our Matt's Maker Space Labs.

Student Teaching/Field Experience Sites

Our School of Education's Downtown Pittsburgh location brings real advantages. Our students conduct observations at local schools that are within walking distance of campus. We also place student teachers in local schools, including those listed below, so transportation to and from those schools is convenient.