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Aug 18, 2026
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2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
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.
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Certification
The CASE, BS program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Upon graduation from the M.Ed. program, students are prepared for both Pennsylvania PK-4 General Education and PK-12 Special Education certification through PDE.
Admissions Requirements
For external candidates:
- Complete School of Education Admission Application
- At least 48 credits of college-level coursework (mandated by PDE)
- Overall GPA of 3.000 (mandated by PDE)
- Official College Transcripts
- Either a US Citizen or a Green Card holder (mandated by PDE)
- 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.
For current Pitt students:
- Complete the Declaration of Major form
- At least 48 credits of college-level coursework (mandated by PDE)
- Overall GPA of 3.000 (mandated by PDE)
- Students with a 2.900 will be reviewed for admission on an individual basis
- Either a US Citizen or a Green Card holder (mandated by PDE)
- 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.
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 grade of a C in all major specific coursework.
General Education Requirements
Students are required to complete the General Education Requirements specified by the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
All students are required to take the University of Pittsburgh’s required general education courses for undergraduates from the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. The credit hours may vary. The Pennsylvania Department of Education specifically requires that the following courses must be completed. These can count towards the student’s General Education Requirements.
Foundational Courses
These courses are foundational education credits and can be taken before admittance into the major officially
Major Courses - Methods Coursework
These are courses that should only be taken by students in a teacher education program. The Department of Education in PA only allows teacher education majors to take methods coursework.
Major Courses - Non-Methods Coursework
These are courses for the major, but they are not considered methods courses.
Graduation Requirements
- Cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher (as mandated by PDE)
- Completion of all major specific coursework with a minimum grade of C
- Completion of 120 total credits
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