University of Pittsburgh School of Education
 

Programs

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Programs in the Department of Instruction and Learning

The School of Education offers degrees within the Department of Instruction and Learning in the following six areas:

Early Childhood Education

Certificates

Degrees

  • Master of Education (MEd) - enhances the professional development of early childhood teachers beyond initial certification or prepares entry-level professionals whose career paths do not require a teaching certificate.

Early Intervention

Degrees

Education of Students with Mental & Physical Disabilities

Certificates

Degrees

Elementary Education

Certificates

  • Elementary Education Instructional I Certificate (Professional Year) - PA State Teaching Certification - This program prepares qualified liberal arts and sciences graduates for initial certification in elementary education. It is completed in two terms.
  • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Master's Degree + PA State Teaching Certification - This comprehensive program prepares qualified liberal arts and sciences graduates for initial certification in elementary education and a master’s degree. It is completed in 12 months beginning in June of the admission year.

Degrees

  • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Master's Degree + PA State Teaching Certification - This comprehensive program prepares qualified liberal arts and sciences graduates for initial certification in elementary education and a master’s degree. It is completed in 12 months beginning in June of the admission year.
  • Master of Education (MEd) - 36-credit generalist Elementary master’s degree program. It is designed for candidates who have completed a teacher certification and would like to complete a master’s degree.

English & Communications Education

Certificates

Degrees

Foreign Language Education

Certificates

  • Foreign Language Instructional I Certificate (K-12) - Professional Year - PA State Teaching Certification - leads to Instructional I certification in French, Spanish, German, Latin, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, or Russian
  • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Master's Degree + PA State Teaching Certification - MAT degree option leading to Instructional I certification in French, Spanish, German, Latin, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, or Russian
  • MEd with TESOL certificate - program in conjunction with the Department of Linguistics leading to a University certificate in TESOL (this certificate should not be confused with Pennsylvania Instructional I Certification and cannot be used to teach in public schools)

Degrees

General Special Education

Certificates

Degrees

  • Master of Education (MEd) - The M.Ed. is for teachers already certified in Special Education who desire to develop advanced level competencies in their related fields. This degree is also available for individuals with baccalaureate degrees seeking professional careers in special education settings where certification is not required.

Language, Literacy & Culture

Mathematics Education

Certificates

Degrees

  • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Master's Degree + PA State Teaching Certification - The MAT program leads to a Pennsylvania Initial Teacher Certification in Mathematics (7-12) and a master's degree
  • Master of Education (MEd) - The MEd program in Mathematics Education has been designed for the special needs and interests of elementary and secondary school teachers whose primary objective is to advance their background and skills as mathematics teachers in schools.
  • Doctor of Education (EdD)

Reading Education

Certificates

Degrees

For more information about the Reading Specialist Certificate of Advanced Study (K–12) and Master of Education, a detailed document guide is provided here.

Science Education

Certificates

  • Instructional I Certificate (Professional Year) - PA State Teaching Certification
  • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Master's Degree + PA State Teaching Certification - This degree option, Master of Arts in Teaching, in science education is appropriate for individuals with non-education backgrounds in their baccalaureate studies. A strong science background and education methodology is the foci of studies and prepares the individual for middle to senior high public and non-public school settings. Professional development is stressed through the use of teaching portfolios showing content background, teaching competencies, and technology in the design of instruction.

Degrees

  • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Master's Degree + PA State Teaching Certification - This degree option, Master of Arts in Teaching, in science education is appropriate for individuals with non-education backgrounds in their baccalaureate studies. A strong science background and education methodology is the foci of studies and prepares the individual for middle to senior high public and non-public school settings. Professional development is stressed through the use of teaching portfolios showing content background, teaching competencies, and technology in the design of instruction.
  • Master of Education (MEd) - The 39 credit degree Master of Education (MEd) option in science education is appropriate for secondary and elementary science teachers seeking especially strong backgrounds in the teaching of elementary and secondary school science. Selecting this option is appropriate for public and private school science teaching. The program focuses on teaching methodology, instructional resource development, and cognition in teaching and learning. Action research is conducted in conjunction with faculty
  • Doctor of Education (EdD) - The Doctor of Education (EdD) in science education is designed to prepare (1) professors of science education in application-oriented colleges or universities; (2) faculty responsible for the preparation of teachers of science in those institutions; or (3) science curriculum and instruction leaders in either elementary or secondary science education settings. A two-term residency is required, Fall/Spring term preferred.
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in science education is designed to (1) prepare professors of science education in research-oriented universities; (2) teach science education courses and/or guide the preparation of elementary and secondary teachers of science in those institutions; or (3) conduct research and development projects; and (4) serve as a graduate faculty member in the university. A two-term residency is required, Fall/Spring term preferred.

Social Studies Education

Certificates

Degrees

Special Education

Special Education Teacher Preparation

Vision Studies

Certificates

  • Single Certification - Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) - PA State Teaching Certification - TVIs serve the educational and academic support needs of children who are blind or visually impaired in all types of learning environments (e.g., public schools).
  • Single Certification - Orientation and Mobility (O&M) - O&M Specialists teach children and/or adults skills of independent travel in schools and/or adult agencies.
  • Dual Certification - TVI and O&M - includes PA State Teaching Certification - Individuals who hold dual certification as a TVI and O&M Specialist are capable of serving both the academic and O&M needs of children and/or adults. This is the preferred program for applicants wishing to serve children in various learning environments during the academic year, and adults in agencies at other times.

Degrees

  • Master of Education (MEd) - Individuals acquiring an MEd degree in Special Education with certification as a TVI and/or O&M Specialist tend to seek employment in school districts and agencies serving individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
  • Doctor of Education (EdD) - Individuals acquiring an EdD degree in Special Education with emphasis in blindness and visual impairment tend to seek employment in universities or in state or local education agencies.
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Individuals acquiring a PhD degree in Special Education with emphasis in blindness and visual impairment tend to seek employment in universities or in private or public research facilities.