The post-baccalaureate teacher certification program at Saint Vincent College is designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and wish to pursue teacher certification. Regardless of the certification area, the program integrates rigorous content-area coursework, professional education classes, and meaningful field experiences—rooted in the College’s Catholic, Benedictine, and liberal arts tradition.
In keeping with Saint Vincent’s mission to cultivate wisdom, professional excellence, and a commitment to service, our program prepares candidates to become reflective, compassionate, and effective educators. Graduates of the program are well equipped to meet the demands of today’s classrooms, consistently perform well on certification exams, and successfully secure teaching positions in a variety of educational settings.
We offer post-baccalaureate teacher certification in the following areas:
Art (K-12)For information on admissions requirements and tuition, visit our graduate students page.
Saint Vincent is listed among The Top Education Colleges of Distinction of 2025-2026, and many of our individual programs are ranked high nationally in the College Raptor Rankings, including physics, psychology, curriculum and instruction, and counselor education.
The Education Department at Saint Vincent College emphasizes service by encouraging students to engage with the community through initiatives like SVC Wraps, which partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters to provide holiday gifts for children. This type of involvement helps students develop empathy, leadership, and practical skills, and they can earn a service medal for commencement.
The Graduate Fellowship Program at Saint Vincent College offers aspiring educators a master’s degree, including full tuition and a stipend, in exchange for work in local schools. Fellows gain valuable skills and connections through hands-on experience, often leading to full-time jobs. The program also meets the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s permanent certification requirements, making graduates well-qualified candidates.
Students gain invaluable experience working with diverse groups of learners, including opportunities to support inclusive education practices through our Bearcat B.E.S.T. program, which serves individuals with developmental disabilities to provide an education that transfers them to greater independence.
“Saint Vincent College truly prepared me to lead a classroom effectively. I began my career by delaying student teaching to work a long-term substitute job at the district where I had been pre-student teaching. I was leading a classroom before officially even starting student teaching. The strategies and tools I gained from SVC coursework allowed me to succeed despite limited hands-on experience, and I felt more prepared than many peers from other schools. This opportunity even led to my full-time hire at the district. I am deeply grateful to SVC for their flexibility, support, and commitment to ensuring my success in the Post-Bacc program!”
Middle School Science Teacher, Franklin Regional School District
"Without the willingness of the amazing professors and individuals at Saint Vincent College, especially those in the Education Department, to go above and beyond in helping me reach my goals as I navigated a nontraditional path to certification, I wouldn't be the teacher I am today. Their commitment to excellence in fostering the next generation of teachers ensured that I never felt unprepared entering my career in education. I am so grateful for the opportunities they provided and continue to provide. Saint Vincent's foundational principles of service and community have made me both a better teacher and a better individual."
Mathematics Teacher, Ridgeway Area Jr./Sr High School
Earning a teaching certification from Saint Vincent College opens the door to a rewarding career in education. Whether certified in early childhood, middle level, secondary education, or special education, our candidates are prepared to teach in public and private school settings and make a meaningful impact in students' lives. Certification areas such as PreK-12 Reading Specialist or PreK-12 Principal further expand professional opportunities. The strong foundation built at Saint Vincent—rooted in communication, organization, and critical thinking—also prepares certified educators to thrive in related fields such as educational technology, museum education, corporate training, and nonprofit outreach.
Upon completing certification, 98% of our students secure employment in teaching or related educational fields or pursue graduate studies.
Alumni will go on to successful careers as:
• Academic advisors
• Corporate trainers
• Curriculum developers
• Education administrators (e.g., principal or assistant principal)
• Educational consultants
• Elementary, middle, or high school teachers
• Instructional coaches
• Museum educators
• Special education teachers
Saint Vincent College’s education program prepares well-rounded educators with foundational courses like Foundations of Education, Educational Psychology, and Strategies and Techniques of Learning and specialized courses, such as Classroom Partnerships and Inclusion and Promoting Youth Cultural Competence and Diversity, equipping students to support diverse learners.
In addition to the courses listed below, candidates for certification in all areas must satisfy the requirements for a major in an academic degree program related to their area of certification. A transcript review will be conducted to determine any additional coursework needed to fulfill the certification requirements based on each candidate’s prior academic background.
Courses in Psychology (3 credits)
Courses in basic pedagogy (24 credits)
Field experiences (16-17 credits)
Pennsylvania Department of Education Accreditation
Saint Vincent College’s teacher preparation programs are fully accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), ensuring that our curriculum, faculty, and field experiences meet the highest standards of educational excellence. This accreditation means that our programs have been rigorously evaluated and aligned with state requirements, preparing graduates to be highly qualified, effective educators ready to enter the teaching profession. Through PDE accreditation, students in our education programs are eligible for certification in Pennsylvania upon graduation, enabling them to teach in their specific areas of study. The accreditation process also reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, as we regularly assess and enhance our programs to stay current with educational best practices and evolving standards in the field.
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, Pennsylvania allows individuals who have completed a teacher preparation program or are already certified teachers in other states to receive Pennsylvania teaching certification through reciprocity. Pennsylvania-certified teachers can also transfer their certification to other states. Each state may have different testing and application requirements, so candidates should check the NASDTEC website for specific information on transferring their certification
