University of Delaware

What you'll study

This bachelor’s programme combines university coursework, professional education studies and progressively longer supervised field experiences in local schools. You will take core education subjects such as educational psychology, foundations of education, classroom management and assessment, together with subject-specific methods if you choose an elementary, secondary or special education pathway.

• Foundations and theory: courses in the history and philosophy of education, diversity and equity in schools, and educational research methods.
• Learning and development: child and adolescent development, learning theory, and classroom behaviour strategies.
• Curriculum and instruction: curriculum design, lesson planning, differentiated instruction, literacy and numeracy methods, and use of educational technology.
• Specialist methods: subject-specific pedagogy for elementary or secondary tracks (for example, science or mathematics methods for secondary candidates) and routes that include special education or early childhood specialisms.
• Assessment and evaluation: formative and summative assessment, data-informed instruction and progress monitoring.
• Practical experience: a sequence of field placements that increases in responsibility and culminates in a full-term student teaching placement supervised by university and school-based mentors.

Students also complete University of Delaware general education requirements and have opportunities to take electives in related disciplines such as psychology, human development, STEM or arts, and to engage in undergraduate research or study abroad programmes.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of Delaware follows the institution's undergraduate entry process; students intending to pursue a professional teaching pathway normally declare their major early and then apply to the teacher education programme or professional sequence. Typical requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of general education prerequisites (including English and mathematics), and a competitive academic record.

• Successful completion of foundational courses before admission to the professional sequence.
• Evidence of communication skills — for example through a personal statement or letters of recommendation.
• Demonstrated suitability for working with children, which may include background checks and documentation of any required clearances for school placements.
• Progression into student teaching generally requires meeting programme‑specified GPA and course completion standards and satisfactory performance in field experiences.

Specific grade thresholds, testing requirements (such as Praxis or other state licensure examinations) and documentation vary by certification route and are governed by the College of Education and Human Development and Delaware licensure regulations; applicants should consult the programme adviser for the precise, up-to-date conditions for admission and certification.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for initial teacher certification and employment as classroom teachers at the early childhood, elementary or secondary level, depending on the chosen route. Common career destinations include:

• K–12 classroom teacher roles in public and private schools.
• Special education teacher, literacy specialist or reading interventionist.
• Instructional coach, curriculum coordinator or educational specialist in school districts.
• Roles in community education, youth services, and after-school programming.
• Further study at master’s or doctoral level leading to school leadership, educational policy, research or higher education careers.

The programme’s emphasis on practicum placements and partnerships with local schools helps students build professional networks and classroom experience valued by employers.

Why study at University of Delaware

The University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development blends research-informed teaching with extensive, supervised fieldwork in nearby school districts. Students benefit from close mentorship by faculty who work on issues such as equity, literacy, STEM education and special education, and from established partnerships that provide a range of placement settings across urban, suburban and rural schools.

• Strong practicum and student-teaching opportunities that progressively build classroom responsibilities.
• Access to interdisciplinary options — for example combining education study with human development, psychology or STEM content areas.
• Support for professional certification and preparation for state licensure exams and requirements.
• Opportunities for undergraduate research, service learning and international experiences that broaden professional perspectives.

Together these features make the University of Delaware a practical choice for students seeking a thorough preparation for teaching careers and for continued professional development in education.