Pittsburg State University

What you'll study

This Bachelor’s programme combines general education, content-area studies and a professional education sequence focused on pedagogy, assessment and classroom practice. Students select a specific level (for example early childhood, elementary or secondary) and a methods route tied to a subject area (such as mathematics, science, English, social studies, or special education), and follow a progression from foundational theory to intensive student teaching.

• Foundations of Education — history and philosophy of education, diversity and inclusion, child and adolescent development.
• Curriculum and Instruction — curriculum design, lesson planning, differentiated instruction and culturally responsive teaching.
• Subject-specific Methods — instructional strategies, materials and assessment practices for the chosen level and subject (for example methods for teaching secondary mathematics or elementary literacy).
• Assessment and Data Use — formative and summative assessment, use of data to guide instruction and improve student outcomes.
• Classroom Management and Professionalism — behaviour management strategies, classroom routines, legal and ethical responsibilities of teachers.
• Inclusive and Special Education Practices — adapting instruction for diverse learners, collaboration with specialists and Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Practicum and Student Teaching — early short placements that progress to full-time supervised student teaching in partner K–12 schools; reflective practice and professional portfolio development are central.
• Ongoing Professional Development — courses and seminars on teacher leadership, mentoring, and continuing professional growth.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and meet the university’s general admission criteria. Admission to the professional teacher education sequence is typically a separate process that occurs after completing initial university coursework and requires submission of an application to the Teacher Education Program.

• Official transcripts demonstrating completion of required general education and content prerequisite courses.
• A cumulative academic record that demonstrates readiness for professional study; programmes routinely review GPA and course performance rather than cite a single threshold here.
• Evidence of communication skills, often via a personal statement and/or interview, and at least one academic or professional reference.
• Background checks, health/clearance documentation and any state-mandated screening (for example fingerprinting or disclosure forms) to qualify for school placements and licensure pathways.
• Completion of required basic skills or content assessments as specified by state licensure regulations prior to or during the professional sequence.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for initial teacher licensure and entry-level classroom positions across early childhood, elementary and secondary settings depending on their chosen level and subject methods. The programme also opens doors to roles that support teaching and learning beyond the classroom.

• Classroom teacher in public and private K–12 schools (elementary, middle or high school) following successful licensure.
• Specialist roles such as literacy coach, content-area coordinator, or instructional coach.
• Positions in curriculum development, assessment, and educational programme coordination for school districts or educational organisations.
• Further study and leadership roles: graduate programmes in education, educational administration, curriculum and instruction, or special education.
• Opportunities in professional development delivery, teacher mentoring, and education consulting.

Why study at Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg State University’s teacher education programmes are designed around extensive school partnerships that provide repeated, supervised clinical experiences from early practicum through full-time student teaching. The College of Education emphasises hands-on preparation, direct mentorship from experienced faculty and cooperating teachers, and alignment with state licensure expectations.

• Structured field placements in regional urban and rural schools that allow students to apply methods coursework in authentic classrooms.
• Faculty with classroom experience who focus on practical pedagogy, assessment literacy and teacher development.
• Support services such as advising for licensure pathways, career placement assistance, and preparation for required state certification assessments.
• A programme designed to prepare graduates for immediate entry into the classroom while also building foundations for continuing professional development and leadership.