Michigan State University

What you'll study

The undergraduate education curriculum at Michigan State University emphasises both content knowledge and the practical skills needed for effective classroom teaching. Students complete a mix of general education requirements, major-specific courses in education, and a concentration or endorsement area such as elementary education, secondary content areas (for example English, mathematics, science or social studies), special education, or early childhood education.

• Foundations of education: courses in educational psychology, sociology of education, history and philosophy of education, and equity and diversity in schools.
• Curriculum and instruction: pedagogy courses that cover lesson design, assessment and differentiated instruction for diverse learners.
• Subject-specific methods: methods courses tailored to the candidate’s endorsement area (elementary methods or secondary content methods).
• Special education and inclusion: coursework on behaviour management, individualized education programmes (IEPs), and strategies for students with disabilities—often available as a major concentration or endorsement.
• Clinical experiences: progressive field placements in partner schools, practicum seminars and a culminating full-time student teaching placement supervised by university faculty and cooperating teachers.
• Optional electives: topics such as educational technology, bilingual education, literacy development, culturally responsive teaching and curriculum design.

The programme leads to preparation for state teacher certification; students must satisfy both university degree requirements and the certification requirements set by the state, which include passing relevant licensure assessments and completing required clinical hours.

Entry requirements

Admission to Michigan State University’s undergraduate programmes typically requires a high-school diploma or equivalent and academic records demonstrating readiness for university study. Competitive applicants present a strong academic profile across core subjects, including English and mathematics.

• Completion of secondary-level coursework in English, mathematics, science and social studies is expected.
• Evidence of extracurricular or volunteer experience with children, youth programmes or tutoring can strengthen an application to the teacher-preparation pathway.
• Some education specialisations may require a separate application to the College of Education or to the teacher certification sequence; progression into professional education courses often requires meeting GPA thresholds and passing background checks for school placements.
• International applicants must meet MSU’s English proficiency and credential evaluation requirements for undergraduate admission.

Because certification requirements vary by state, prospective students should consult both Michigan State University and the state licensure office for details on assessments and additional requirements needed to become a certified teacher.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Bachelor’s in Education are prepared for a range of careers in education and related fields. The most common entry-level role is classroom teacher in public or private schools at the elementary or secondary level, often after completing state certification and student teaching.

• Primary and secondary school teacher (public and independent schools)
• Special education teacher or inclusion specialist
• Reading specialist, literacy coach or curriculum coordinator (often with additional certification or graduate study)
• Early childhood education practitioner and programme coordinator
• Educational support roles such as instructional coach, academic advisor or behaviour interventionist
• Careers in education policy, NGOs, non-profit youth services, and corporate training and development
• Paths to further study: graduate degrees such as a Master of Education, educational leadership, school counselling, or subject-area master's and doctoral programmes for those seeking administration, specialised instructional roles or research careers

Why study at Michigan State University

Michigan State’s College of Education offers a comprehensive teacher-preparation programme with long-standing partnerships with public school districts across Michigan, providing a variety of clinical placements and mentoring opportunities. Students benefit from faculty who are active in teacher education research and from resources such as centres for literacy and inclusive education.

• Structured field experiences and a supervised student-teaching placement that integrate classroom theory with practice.
• Access to interdisciplinary resources across a large research university, including educational technology labs, special education centres and outreach programmes.
• Opportunities to engage in community-based learning, service projects and partnerships with urban and rural schools.
• A strong alumni and professional network that supports job placement, certification advice and continuing professional development.

Prospective students should contact Michigan State University’s College of Education for guidance on certification pathways, endorsement options and the steps required to progress from admission to full professional licensure.