Michigan State University

What you'll study

This programme integrates subject-area content with professional preparation in teaching and ongoing professional development. Students choose a specific subject area or grade band pathway (for example elementary, secondary mathematics, science, English language arts, social studies, or special education) and take a mix of subject-matter courses and professional courses in education.

• Foundations of education: history and philosophy of education, educational psychology, child and adolescent development.
• Curriculum and instruction: curriculum design, differentiated instruction, lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment for learning.
• Subject-specific methods: methods courses focused on teaching strategies, materials and assessment for the chosen subject area and grade level (e.g. secondary science methods or elementary literacy methods).
• Inclusive and special education: strategies for teaching diverse learners, response to intervention (RTI), universal design for learning (UDL), and basic special education principles.
• Technology and learning: instructional technology, digital resources for teaching, and remote/blended learning approaches.
• Assessment and data use: formative and summative assessment, use of data to inform instruction and professional learning cycles.
• Practicum and student teaching: progressive field experiences in partnered K–12 schools culminating in an extended, supervised student-teaching placement and reflective seminars.
• Professional development and leadership: adult learning theory, coaching and mentoring teachers, designing and delivering professional learning, and school improvement processes.

Students also complete general education requirements and elective coursework in their chosen subject area to meet content standards for teacher certification. The programme emphasises applied work in local schools through established partnerships and sustained mentorship by university supervisors and classroom teachers.

Entry requirements

Admission is in two stages: university admission followed by admission to the Teacher Education program. Applicants should hold a high-school diploma or equivalent and meet Michigan State University undergraduate admission requirements. For the professional education program, candidates are expected to have completed prerequisite coursework relevant to their subject area and general education foundations.

• Academic preparation: strong performance in secondary coursework relevant to the intended subject area (for secondary pathways this typically includes subject-specific high-school courses; for elementary pathways a broad preparation across the curriculum).
• Departmental benchmarks: applicants must satisfy the College of Education’s benchmarks for progression, which commonly include a minimum cumulative GPA, completion of prescribed prerequisite courses, and satisfactory evaluations of writing and communication skills.
• Background requirements: clearances such as criminal background checks, required health or immunisation records, and any mandated training (for example basic first aid/CPR) are required prior to placement in K–12 classrooms.
• Admissions materials: application to the teacher education sequence may require a personal statement, references or recommendations, and evidence of engagement with schools or community organisations working with children and adolescents.

Specific course prerequisites, GPA thresholds and sequence application deadlines are set by the College of Education; applicants should consult the programme adviser or the MSU College of Education website for current procedural details.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of school-based and education-related careers. Common direct outcomes include:

• Certified K–12 classroom teacher in the chosen subject area or grade band, following successful completion of certification requirements and student teaching.
• Literacy specialist, content-area specialist or special education teacher (with appropriate additional endorsements or graduate study where required).
• Instructional coach, mentor teacher or professional development coordinator supporting teacher learning and curriculum implementation within schools or districts.
• Curriculum developer, educational consultant or assessment specialist working for school districts, education-focused non-profits, or curriculum publishers.
• Further study and research pathways: graduates often pursue master’s degrees in education, educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, special education, or teacher leadership.

The programme’s emphasis on practicum, supervision and district partnerships supports employability by providing classroom experience, references, and familiarity with regional licensure expectations.

Why study at Michigan State University

Michigan State University’s College of Education combines research-informed teaching with extensive partnerships across K–12 schools, offering students access to diverse practicum placements and experienced mentor teachers. The university supports candidates with curriculum resources, technology-rich teaching labs, and career services that connect graduates with regional employers.

Students benefit from faculty engaged in scholarship on teacher preparation, inclusive practice and professional development, and from MSU’s broader campus resources—such as research centres, student organisations focused on teaching, and opportunities for interdisciplinary study. The programme’s emphasis on both subject expertise and ongoing professional learning equips graduates to enter classrooms confidently or to take roles that support teacher development and school improvement.