Ferris State University

What you'll study

This programme blends general education, subject-area coursework and professional education studies to develop skilled, reflective classroom teachers. Core topics include foundations of education, educational psychology, classroom management, curriculum design, assessment and differentiation for diverse learners.

• Foundations and theory: history and philosophy of education, legal and ethical issues, and theories of learning and development.
• Pedagogy and methods: content-specific methods courses (for example, elementary methods, secondary content methods in subjects such as math, science, English or social studies), literacy instruction, and strategies for teaching English learners.
• Assessment and curriculum: formative and summative assessment, standards-aligned curriculum development, data-informed instruction and progress monitoring.
• Classroom climate and behaviour: classroom management, positive behaviour supports and inclusive practices for students with a range of abilities and needs.
• Special education and diversity: identification and accommodation of students with special needs, culturally responsive teaching and equity-oriented practice.
• Educational technology: instructional technology tools, digital resources for teaching and learning, and integrating technology into lesson design.
• Clinical experiences: early field experiences followed by an extended student-teaching internship/clinical practice in partnership with local schools, culminating in supervised classroom teaching.

Most students complete a sequence of methods courses tied to a particular grade band or content area (the "specific levels and methods" component), and a capstone practicum that demonstrates readiness for professional practice and certification requirements.

Entry requirements

Admission to Ferris State's teacher education programme requires a completed undergraduate application to the university and additional requirements for entry into the teacher education sequence. Typical expectations include:

• Official high school diploma or equivalent, or transfer-level undergraduate standing if coming from another college.
• Completion of prerequisite general education courses and content-area coursework appropriate to the chosen certification field.
• Demonstration of academic readiness as shown on university transcripts; consult the current Ferris State Teacher Education handbook for specific GPA thresholds and program-specific criteria.
• Background screenings and clearances required for participation in field experiences (for example, criminal background check and other state-mandated checks).
• Submission of additional materials such as a personal statement, letters of recommendation, résumé and interview or entrance screening for some specialisations.
• Meeting state certification testing or checkpoint requirements prior to student teaching (requirements vary by certification area and state; students should follow the programme’s guidance and current state regulations).

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared primarily for K–12 teaching positions in public and private schools, with certification aligned to the specific levels and methods studied. Common career pathways include:

• Classroom teacher at elementary, middle or secondary levels
• Specialist roles such as literacy coach, instructional coach or curriculum coordinator
• Special education teacher or inclusion support provider (with appropriate endorsements)
• Educational technology specialist or instructional designer
• School or district-level roles in professional development, teacher mentoring, or assessment
• Further study leading to advanced certification, educational leadership or university-level educator preparation

Many graduates find employment through regional school partnerships and district hiring networks; others move into related positions in community education, nonprofits or corporate training.

Why study at Ferris State University

Ferris State offers an applied, practice-focused approach to teacher preparation with a curriculum designed around sustained clinical experiences and partnerships with local schools. Students benefit from faculty who have PK–12 experience, smaller cohort sizes for personalised mentoring, and direct access to practicum placements across diverse classroom settings.

The university emphasises hands-on learning and professional readiness, helping candidates meet state certification pathways while building portfolios of teaching practice. Support services—such as academic advising, career services and licensure guidance—help students transition from preparation into employment or graduate study.