This program meets the new Pennsylvania teacher licensure guidelines requiring separate programs in  middle grade or  early childhood education. Students wishing to obtain an elementary teaching certification will be required to select early childhood education PreK-4 or Middle Grade education 4 -8.  Each program’s curriculum includes the required coursework in content, pedagogy, special education, English language learners, and field experience totaling around 132 - 137 credit hours.

Students interested in obtaining certification in PreK-4 Early Childhood Education may complete the B.S. in Elementary Instruction: Early Childhood Education certification.  Students interested in earning 4-8 certification would complete a B.S. in Elementary Instruction: Middle Grade certification.

Typical 4-year course schedule: B.S. in Elementary Instruction

Students may also obtain special education certification by completing the add-on special education certification for PreK-8 by completing the Masters of Science Degree in Special Education.  This is the recommended path to maximize the hiring potential of students interested in early childhood or middle grade education combined with special education.   It is suggested that students take some courses during the summer terms to reduce the number of courses during the year, however this is not required.

Students can also add-on a Master of Science in Special Education in 18 months after graduation.  If a student graduates from the B.S. in Elementary Instruction program, 9 undergraduate credits are automatically transferred into the master's program to accelerate their masters program and obtain special education certification PreK-8.

Students having questions or inquiries please contact your Education Advisor or the Admissions Office. Specific program questions can be directed to Dr. Kristin Harty, 724-805-2515 or email: kristin.harty@email.stvincent.edu