Combined Applied Studies in Education, BS

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The Combined Applied Studies in Education (CASE) program is designed for students interested in becoming teachers in early elementary (Grades PreK-4) and/or special education (Grades PreK-12). This 4+1 program allows student to gain a bachelor’s and master’s degree, as well as eligibility for teacher certification in two areas, all within 5 years. Students first work on their Bachelor of Science (BS) in CASE and then move directly onto the Master of Education (MEd) in Early Childhood and Special Education program. Upon graduation from the M.Ed. program, students are prepared for both Pennsylvania PK-4 General Education and PK-12 Special Education certification.

Admission Requirements

For external candidates:  

• Complete School of Education Admission Application  

• At least 48 credits of college-level coursework (mandated by PA Dept of Education) 

• Overall GPA of 3.0 (mandated by PA Dept of Education) 

• Official College Transcripts 

• Either a US Citizen or a Green Card holder (mandated by PA Dept of Education)  

• Fulfillment of the majority of General Education and CASE Foundational Courses.

  • Students may be admitted to the CASE program with outstanding credits, with advisor support. Students who are admitted with outstanding Gen Ed or CASE Foundational Courses will need to fit these courses in during the CASE program, in consultation with their advisor, and may not be able to graduate with their cohort. 

For current Pitt students:  

• Complete the Declaration of Major form 

• At least 48 credits of college-level coursework (mandated by PA Dept of Education)  

• Overall GPA of 3.0 (mandated by PA Dept of Education)  

  • Students with a 2.9 will be reviewed for admission on an individual basis

• Either a US Citizen or a Green Card holder (mandated by PA Dept of Education)  

• Fulfillment of the majority of General Education and CASE Foundational Courses.

  • Students may be admitted to the CASE program with outstanding credits, with advisor support. Students who are admitted with outstanding Gen Ed or CASE Foundational Courses will need to fit these courses in during the CASE program, in consultation with their advisor, and may not be able to graduate with their cohort. 

GPA and Grade requirements

All students enrolled in the teacher education major are required to maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0. Although the credits allowed for acceptable work completed elsewhere by transfer count toward the total number of credits required for teacher education study, the grades earned in such courses are not included in GPA computations. 

A student is automatically placed on academic warning if the cumulative GPA, exclusive of transfer credits, falls below 3.000. No student on academic warning is permitted to participate in student teaching, a teaching internship, or an advanced teaching practicum.  

Students must earn a minimum of a C in all major specific coursework.

Graduation Requirements

• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (as mandated by PDE) 

• Completion of 53 credits toward major (includes 9 credits of foundational coursework prior to joining major) 

• Completion of 120 credits total 

• Successful completion of all required coursework