2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Teacher Education, BS
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The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Teacher Education prepares undergraduate students to earn their Pennsylvania teaching certification. The curriculum is fully aligned with the Pennsylvania Department of Education certification standards for Instructional 1 certification. Students will choose one of the content areas listed below to specialize in and that will determine their specific degree requirements.
Grades 7-12: English, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies Education
Grades PreK-12: Special Education, World & Heritage Language Education
Eligibility for Major:
Current Pitt students must complete the School of Education Undergraduate Admissions application. External transfer students must complete the University of Pittsburgh transfer student application. To be considered for admission to the Teacher Education BS program, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.000, completed 48 credit hours, and fulfilled (or currently taking) the pre-requisite courses listed below with a grade of C or higher.
Course Requirements (Summary):
- General Education courses from Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
- PA Department of Education Requirements (these can count towards general education requirements)
- 6 credit hours in college-level mathematics
- 6 credit hours in college-level English composition and literature
- Major coursework in inclusive and culturally responsive teaching
- Major coursework in pedagogy
- Student teaching coursework
- Content Area Coursework (see links below for major and content area coursework for each specific area)
GPA and Grade requirements:
All students enrolled in the teacher education major are required to maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.000. 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 given a teacher certification eligibility warning when the cumulative GPA, exclusive of transfer credits, falls below 3.000. No student provided a teacher certification eligibility 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 teacher education coursework and content area coursework.
Graduation Requirements:
- Complete all required coursework, meeting the minimum grade requirement
- Earn at least 120 credits,
- Earn 3.000 cumulative GPA
Required Courses:
The following required courses relate to the following content areas: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and World & Heritage Language. Students pursuing the Special Education content area should look at that specific section for all required courses.
Inclusive & Culturally Responsive Teaching - 12 credits
Pedagogy - 3 credits
Content Area Options:
- English Education (grades 7-12)
- Mathematics Education (grades 7-12)
- Science Education (grades 7-12)
- Social Studies Education (grades 7-12)
- Special Education (grades PreK-12)
- World & Heritage Language Education (PreK-12)
English Education Content Area
Major Coursework - Pedagogy:
Student Teaching - 12 credits
Content Area Specific Courses:
- 12 credits of ENGLIT coursework
- 3 credits of ENGCMP (0400-level or higher) coursework
- 3 credits of ENGFLM coursework
- 3 credits of ENGWRT coursework
Mathematics Education Content Area
Major Coursework - Pedagogy:
Student Teaching - 12 credits
Content Area Specific Courses:
Science Education Content Area
Major Coursework - Pedagogy (for all tracks):
Student Teaching - 12 credits
Science Education Content Area - Biology Track
Content Area Specific Courses:
Biology:
Chemistry:
Mathematics:
Science Education Content Area - Chemistry Track
Content Area Specific Courses:
Chemistry:
Mathematics:
Physics:
Science Education Content Area - General Science Track
Content Area Specific Courses:
Biology:
Chemistry:
Mathematics:
Physics:
Geology/Astronomy:
Science Education Content Area - Physics Track
Content Area Specific Courses:
Physics:
Chemistry:
Mathematics:
Social Studies Education Content Area
Major Coursework - Pedagogy:
Student Teaching - 12 credits
Content Area Specific Courses:
Special Education Content Area (PreK-12)
Major Coursework - Pedagogy:
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Positive Behavior Support
Pedagogy:
Student Teaching:
World & Heritage Language Education Content Area (PreK-12)
Tracks:
Major Coursework - Pedagogy (for all tracks):
Student Teaching - 12 credits
World & Heritage Language Education - Chinese
Content Area Specific Courses:
12 credits in Language and Linguistics:
12 credits in Literature and Culture:
World & Heritage Language Education - French
Content Area Specific Courses:
12 credits in Language and Linguistics:
12 credits in Literature and Culture:
World & Heritage Language Education - German
Content Area Specific Courses:
12 credits in Language and Linguistics:
12 credits in Literature and Culture:
World & Heritage Language Education - Japanese
Content Area Specific Courses:
12 credits in Language and Linguistics:
12 credits in Literature and Culture:
World & Heritage Language Education - Latin
6 credits in Composition and Civilization/History
18 credits chosen from list below:
World & Heritage Language Education - Spanish
Content Area Specific Courses:
12 credits in Language and Linguistics:
12 credits in Literature and Culture:
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