University of Tulsa

What you'll study

The programme blends liberal-arts coursework, professional education classes and sustained clinical experiences. Core study typically includes child and adolescent development, learning theory, classroom management, assessment and differentiated instruction. Subject-area coursework depends on whether you follow an elementary, middle or secondary pathway—for example: literacy and language arts methods, mathematics methods for elementary teachers, science methods, and content-specific pedagogy for secondary subjects (English, history, mathematics, biology, etc.).

Students also take courses in multicultural education, special education foundations, educational psychology and research methods. A sequence of practicum placements moves from short supervised observations to longer student-teaching placements in local schools, during which candidates plan lessons, teach full units and receive mentor feedback. Many programmes include seminars on professional ethics, family and community engagement, and preparation for state licensure requirements.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of Tulsa follows the institution’s undergraduate entry processes; admission to the professional Teacher Education programme typically has additional requirements. Applicants should hold a high-school diploma or equivalent and present an academic profile demonstrating readiness for upper-division study. Typical expectations include a competitive secondary-school record and evidence of strong communication skills.

• Completion of prerequisite coursework in English and mathematics as required by the university and the education department.
• Satisfactory performance on any university-admission assessments or submitted standardised-test scores, where required by the university.
• For progression into professional education and student teaching: a minimum departmental GPA (varies by pathway), clearances such as background checks, and documentation of required health/immunisation information.
• Demonstrated suitability for working with children, typically assessed through references, interviews or early practicum observations.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to pursue initial teacher licensure and begin careers as classroom teachers in elementary, middle or secondary settings. Beyond classroom roles, alumni commonly work as special-education assistants, literacy coaches, curriculum developers, educational consultants, after-school programme coordinators and instructional designers.

Many graduates continue their professional development through graduate study (for example a Master of Education or educational leadership programmes) to move into school administration, curriculum leadership, district-level roles or university teaching. The programme’s emphasis on practicum experience and local school partnerships helps build the practical skills and professional networks that support early-career employment.

Why study at University of Tulsa

• Small class sizes and low faculty-to-student ratios provide personalised mentoring from teacher-educators and easy access to faculty feedback on lesson design and classroom practice.
• Established partnerships with schools in Tulsa and the surrounding region offer a range of practicum and student-teaching placements across diverse urban and suburban settings.
• The department supports licensure preparation through coursework aligned with state certification expectations and advising on required examinations and documentation.
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary study—drawing on psychology, sociology and the humanities—help candidates address equity, cultural responsiveness and inclusive pedagogy.
• Active student organisations, service-learning projects and education-focused extracurriculars allow practical leadership experience and community engagement while studying.